UN chief "seriously alarmed" by escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon is seriously alarmed by the recent escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine, which has reportedly resulted in the death of civilians on both sides of the contact line, said a statement issued Monday attributable to the secretary-general's spokesman.

"Aware of reports of harassment aimed at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, he (the secretary-general) expects all parties to fully respect the OSCE's role, personnel, and facilities," said the statement.

The UN chief called on all sides to continue with dialogue and to fully abide by the spirit and letter of the Minsk agreements, including as related to the use of heavy weapons. Continued cease- fire violations and the resulting loss of life are unacceptable, it said.

According to media reports on Monday, fighting broke out between Ukrainian forces and rebels in separate parts of eastern Ukraine overnight, killing at least two Ukrainian soldiers and several civilians.

The secretary-general also called on all sides to take urgent steps to de-escalate the current situation and prevent a spiral of violence that will lead to more deaths, human suffering and destruction of infrastructure and negatively affect regional stability, said the statement.

In addition, he appealed to all sides to provide unrestricted and unconditional access for critical humanitarian assistance, and freedom of movement for civilians throughout the country, in order to address a deteriorating humanitarian situation, said the statement. it added. Endite