Ban warns of 'provocative rhetoric' in Ukraine

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today warned against "provocative rhetoric and hasty actions" as he appealed for dialogue to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis.
Ban said he was "increasingly alarmed" by events in Crimea, where Moscow-backed forces have taken control of the region, which plans to hold a controversial referendum this week.
The pro-Russian parliament in Crimea has scheduled the referendum for Sunday on whether to split with Ukraine and join Russia. Ukraine and Western powers have declared the referendum illegal under international law.
"As tensions and mistrust are growing, I urge all sides to refrain from hasty actions and provocative rhetoric," Ban said in a statement.

"A resolution of the crisis must be found on the basis of United Nations Charter principles, including the peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Ban also called on "the relevant authorities to ensure that the human rights of all in Ukraine are respected, with particular attention to the rights and protection of minorities."

UN Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovic traveled to Ukraine last week to meet new prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
Simonovic is to travel to the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Monday before heading to Lviv and the Crimean city of Simferopol later this week. He is due to remain in Ukraine until March 15.

Dujarric said Yatsenyuk would head to the United Nations later this week as part of a US visit which also includes a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House on Wednesday.
Yatsenyuk may meet Ban and members of the UN Security Council during his visit although the details of his itinerary have not been confirmed.
The UN Security Council was holding a behind closed doors meeting on Ukraine in New York on Monday. It is the fifth meeting of the council on Ukraine in 10 days.