With tensions growing in Ukraine, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the international community to help the key parties calm the situation and work toward a durable and fair political solution. "I am increasingly alarmed by the developments in Ukraine," Ban said in a statement late Monday, ahead of a closed-door Security Council meeting on the crisis. "Recent events in Crimea in particular have only served to deepen the crisis." "Since the beginning of this crisis, I have appealed to all parties to de-escalate tensions and to engage in direct and constructive dialogue in order to forge a peaceful way forward," the U.N. chief said. Ban called on the international community's support in such efforts, emphasizing that a further deterioration of the situation "would have serious repercussions for the people of Ukraine, the region, and the global community." "I continue to urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the human rights of all in Ukraine are respected, with particular attention to the rights and protection of minorities," the secretary-general said. "At this crucial juncture, we cannot afford either miscalculations or inaction," Ban warned, highlighting that a resolution of the crisis must be found on the basis of U.N. Charter principles, including the peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
