Members of the UN Security Council condemned on January 13 in the strongest terms the killing of 11 and injuring of 17 civilians, among them women and children, as a result of shelling of a passenger bus in Volnovakha, Donetsk region. They also expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims
In addition, Security Council members underlined the need to conduct an objective investigation and bring the perpetrators of this reprehensible act to justice, and underlined the need for strict observance of the Minsk protocol of September 5 and its implementing memorandum of September 19. Council President Cristian Barros Melet (Chile) issued the January 13 statement.
The powerful UN Security Council is made up of five permanent members, namely, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and the Russian Federation. In addition, there are ten non-permanent members elected for two year terms by the General Assembly. They currently include Lithuania, Spain, New Zealand, Malaysia, Jordan, Chile. Angola, Chad, Nigeria, and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of).
According to a statement made by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on January 14, the UN Chief is “deeply disturbed at the renewed escalation in fighting in eastern Ukraine, and condemned the shelling yesterday of a bus in Donetsk, reportedly resulting in the death of at least 11 civilians.”
As Ban Ki-moon remarked, “The incident, which must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice, is a stark reminder of the urgent need to halt the violence that has already claimed over4,800 lives, displaced over l million and continues to cause needless harm and suffering to countless civilians.”
In addition, the UN Secretary-General noted “the ongoing diplomatic efforts of Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany towards this end and encourages all concerned to seek means of restoring peace and ensuring the stability, territorial integrity and unity of Ukraine. “He also asked “all sides to respect the ceasefire and return to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, which remain a solid base for resolving the conflict. “
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