UN Secretary General calls for dialogue between Moscow, Kyiv

The Russian-Ukrainian crisis can only be resolved peacefully, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

The current crisis can only be resolved peacefully and diplomatically, based on the principles of the UN Charter, including the respect for sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and based on the principles guaranteeing peace and security, Ban said after meeting with Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada Speaker and Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov in Kyiv on Friday.

There is a need for a genuine, constructive dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow, he said.

The parties should refrain from any provocations which might worsen the situation that is already too tense and too unstable, he said.

The influence of radical elements should be avoided, the UN Secretary General said.

It is hoped Ukraine will stick precisely to this approach, he said.