'Disappointed' UN chief Ban concerned about Ukraine unity

United Nations: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday expressed deep disappointment at the crisis in Ukraine, saying that the Crimea referendum will exacerbate the situation and urged all parties concerned to intensify efforts and engage constructively toward a peaceful solution.

"The Secretary-General continues to closely follow the situation in Ukraine. Since the beginning of this crisis, the Secretary-General has urged all parties to avoid hasty steps in this already complex and tense situation," a statement

issued by his spokesperson said.

Ban is "deeply disappointed and concerned that the Crimea referendum will only exacerbate this situation," the statement said.

In a referendum on Sunday that was sharply condemned by global powers, an overwhelming 95.5 per cent of voters on the mostly Russian-speaking peninsula voted to secede from Ukraine.

The US imposed a new round of sanctions on 11 key Russian and Ukrainian political figures on Monday. The UN chief condemned the violence which occurred over the weekend in Eastern Ukraine and which resulted in injuries

and loss of life on all sides.

"The Secretary-General once again urges all parties to refrain from violence and to commit themselves to de-escalation and inclusive national dialogue in the pursuit of a political and diplomatic solution.

A deterioration of the situation will have serious repercussions for the people of Ukraine, the region and beyond," the statement said. Ban encouraged all parties to work for a solution that is guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respecting Ukraine's unity and sovereignty.

He urged all parties in Ukraine and "those with influence" to avoid any steps that could further increase tensions. "The Secretary-General urges all concerned to intensify their efforts and engage constructively toward a peaceful

solution to this crisis, with the aspirations of all the people of Ukraine foremost in mind," the statement said adding that the UN chief remains ready to work with all parties to resolve the situation.