UN chief urges 'immediate renewal of genuine dialogue' in defusing Ukraine crisis

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday urged the "immediate renewal of genuine dialogue" in tackling the current crisis in Ukraine. "The secretary-general is shocked and gravely concerned about the escalation of violence in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, which has resulted in further fatalities and injuries," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson on Tuesday night. "He reiterates to all sides that the use of violence is unacceptable," said the statement. Eleven civilians and nine policemen were killed in Ukraine's unrest after the post-Soviet country experienced the bloodiest time in its modern history on Tuesday and early Wednesday. Ukraine's Interior Ministry said that some 300 police officers were wounded, while Kiev emergency officials reported about more than 200 injured in the opposition camp. In his statement, Ban urged both sides to "redouble efforts to build on recent positive measures, including an amnesty for those detained as a result of the protests and the vacating of government buildings by protesters." The UN chief also called for "the immediate renewal of genuine dialogue leading to rapid results." "Preventing further instability and bloodshed is a paramount priority, and all sides must aim to return Ukraine to the path of prosperity and democracy as quickly as possible," he added. Tuesday's unrest marked the latest wave of clashes between demonstrators and riot police in the almost three-month-old political standoff, which began last November when the Ukrainian government's decision to backtrack on the country's European integration angered Ukrainians. The demonstrations turned violent on Jan. 19, when radical activists attacked riot police with fireworks and petrol bombs, causing casualties. In Kiev, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych reiterated his commitment early Wednesday to compromise with opposition leaders to end the violence on Kiev streets. "We need to sit down at the negotiating table to save Ukraine, because future generations will not forgive us if we destroy the state," Yanukovych said in his address to the nation posted on the presidential website.