KUALA LUMPUR, March 7- United Nations (UN) secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has called for an end to the violence in Sabah. A statement issued by his spokesperson posted on the UN’s website said Ban encouraged dialogue among all the parties involved for a peaceful resolution and that he was closely monitoring the situation.
“The secretary-general expresses concern about the impact this situation may have on the civilian population, including migrants in the region.
“He urges all parties to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and act in full respect of international human rights norms and standards,” the statement said.
Malaysian security forces on Tuesday launched an air strike using F-18 and Hawk fighter jets in the first operation to end the intrusion by Filipino gunmen who have holed up in Lahad Datu, Sabah since Feb 12. They have also been detected elsewhere in the state. Eight police personnel were killed, namely two in a firefight in Lahad Datu last Friday, and six in an ambush in Kampung Simunul, Semporna one day later.
BERNAMA
