UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said he is alarmed by what seems to be a “dangerous escalation” in the crisis in Ukraine with reports that the fighting in the eastern part of the country has spread near the border with Russia.

“The international community cannot allow the situation to escalate further nor can a continuation be allowed of the violence and destruction that the conflict has wrought in eastern Ukraine,” Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“If confirmed, this will mark a dangerous escalation in the Ukrainian crisis,” said the statement.

“He calls for continuity of these talks, with a view to forging a peaceful way out of the conflict. All must do their part to contribute to the peaceful resolution of this conflict, in a manner upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said the statement.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2014