UN chief hails "generally peaceful" polls in Ukraine

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Tuesday welcomed the "generally peaceful" nature of the presidential elections held in Ukraine Sunday, while expressing concerns that eligible voters in some parts of the county's crisis- torn eastern region were denied the right to participate in the national poll.

"The secretary-general welcomes the fact that polling in most of Ukraine took place in a generally peaceful and orderly manner and largely in line with international standards and fundamental freedoms, according to a number of national and international monitors," said a statement read out by UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The secretary-general was concerned that eligible voters were denied the right to vote in parts of eastern Ukraine, the spokesman said, echoing media reports suggesting polling irregularities and disruptions in the east, which has seen a wave of anti-government sentiment over the past two months.

• Ban also voiced alarm at fresh violence in the east of Ukraine.

"The secretary-general is alarmed by continuing violence in the east, where clashes in Donetsk left dozens dead on Monday," Dujarric said. "He urged that restoration of state control over government facilities be achieved through exclusively peaceful means, including an inclusive political dialogue."
Source:Xinhua Published: 2014-5-28 9:46:52 
[globaltimes.cn]
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