Geneva talks: UN chief 'encouraged' by agreement on Ukraine

United Nations, April 18: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was encouraged by "concrete and urgent steps" aimed at de-escalating the

situation agreed at four-way talks in

on Thursday.

Ban welcomed the initial round of diplomatic negotiations on the crisis in Ukraine in Geneva by top diplomats from Ukraine, Russia, the US and the European Union, Xinhua quoted Ban as saying in a statement.

"He is encouraged that all parties were able to agree on a number of concrete and urgent steps aimed at de-escalating the situation and finding a peaceful resolution to this crisis," the statement said.

The four-way talks reached an agreement on Thursday, calling for an immediate halt of violence in Ukraine and practical steps to de-escalate the tension.

Ban said the situation in Ukraine remains "extremely volatile". He expected all sides to show their serious intention to continue to engage, in a good-faith effort, and to implement the steps laid out in the Geneva Statement, which would contribute to a lasting solution to this crisis.

A new wave of unrest recently erupted in three eastern states of Ukraine, where pro-Russia protesters staged rallies calling for federalism in the country or joining the Russian Federation. Some government buildings were stormed and have been occupied since April 6.

In response to the move, Ukraine launched an "anti-terror" operation, deploying 20 tanks and armored personnel carriers to the eastern region.

IANS