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UN chief, Ukrainian FM calls for urgent implementation of Misk accord

Xinhua, February 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin agreed on the need for "urgent and full implementation" of the Feb. 12 Minsk Agreement during their Monday's meeting, said a UN spokesman.

"The secretary-general and foreign minister discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine, including the UN's humanitarian and human rights work in affected areas," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The foreign minister was here to attend an open debate of the UN Security Council initiated by China on maintaining international peace and security.

"They also agreed on the need for urgent and full implementation" of the "Package of Measures for the implementation of the Minsk Agreement," including "a lasting and durable ceasefire and immediate withdrawal of heavy weaponry," the spokesman said.

The latest peace agreement was reached after negotiations between leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine on Feb. 12 in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, aimed at ending the conflict which has claimed the lives of over 5,300 people so far.

"Regarding a peacekeeping operation in eastern Ukraine, the secretary-general noted that the UN would be guided by the Security Council on this matter," the spokesman said.

Ukraine recently requested that the UN peacekeeping force be deployed in the eastern part of the country.

"The secretary-general reiterated his full support toward the peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine," the spokesman added. Endi