Ban considers referenda for self-rule in E. Ukraine further stoke tensions

NEW YORK, May 12 (KUNA) -- Secretary General Ban Ki-moon believes Sunday's referenda for self-rule in eastern Ukraine has only served to "further stoke tensions" in an already "very volatile" situation, his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday.
Sunday's event has "only served to further stoke tensions. The legitimate grievances of the people should be expressed through dialogue between the authorities in Kiev and local communities," Dujarric told the daily press briefing in answer to a question, adding that the UN stands ready to "support such consultations, if requested." The only way forward, he stressed, is the return to the spirit of the Geneva Agreement signed on April 17 by Russia, Ukraine, US and EU, and in which they all agreed that both Russia and Ukraine must, among other things, refrain from violence and that the armed groups surrender their weapons and vacate occupied buildings. (end) sj.bs