LOC20:38
17:38 GMT
NEW YORK, Sept 5 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the positive news that todayآ’s consultations between the Contact Group and representatives of armed groups have resulted in the agreement of cease-fire in Ukraine.
Ban welcomed the recent discussions between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia that have played a part in todayآ’s breakthrough and strongly encourages those contacts to continue, the secretary general's spokesman said.
The UN official also stressed that credible and comprehensive monitoring and verification are essential elements for successful implementation of the cease-fire and the peace plan, as he encouraged all who committed to the agreement to display good will and take concrete steps towards urgent, full and effective implementation.
Furthermore, Ban called on the entire international community to rally behind these agreements to serve the interests of a sustainable peace based on a solution that leads to full respect of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The cessation of hostilities will further allow the UN and other humanitarian actors of the international community to deliver critical humanitarian assistance and other needed support to the impacted areas, he confirmed.
Ban also reiterated that there is no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine, and strongly asserted that it is time to end this destructive conflict once and for all, to stop the bloodshed and to start rebuilding communities and livelihoods in a safe, stable and sovereign Ukraine.
Ban offered the full support of the UN to efforts in this direction as appropriate and requested by the parties. (end)
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