UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday urged the implementation of the ceasefire arrangement between Georgia and Russia negotiated by the French presidency of the European Union.
Ban called for an end to the hostilities and the withdrawal of forces to the positions held before the conflict erupted Thursday in South Ossetia, a de-facto independent Georgian enclave inhabited by ethnic Russians.
"The secretary general reiterates his support for a solution based on the full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia," said UN spokesman Fahran Haq. "He's prepared to use his good offices to work for the restoration for peace and security in the region."
Ban called for concerted efforts by the international community to work out a comprehensive settlement to problems in Georgia. He said the UN stands ready to help negotiations.
French President Nicholas Sarkozy on Tuesday brought the ceasefire settlement to Moscow and Tbilisi for their approval.