SG/SM/16527

Reiterating Full Respect for Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity, Secretary-General Urges Parties to Ensure Genuine, Lasting Ceasefire Commencing 15 February

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has closely followed the intensive diplomatic efforts of the leaders of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk, Belarus, over the past two days.  He commends their perseverance in efforts to bring this violent conflict to an end, which has resulted in the signing of a package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk accords of September 2014.

In that regard, the Secretary-General expects that the commitments which have been made in Minsk will be respected by the parties.  He urges the parties concerned to ensure that a genuine and lasting ceasefire will commence on 15 February as agreed, paving the way for a broader political settlement of the conflict, based on the Minsk accords.

The United Nations stands ready to assist in any way deemed helpful.  It will continue to monitor the human rights situation and deliver humanitarian support to those in need.

The Secretary-General joins the leaders of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, France and Germany in reiterating full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

For information media. Not an official record.