REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW YORK -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Tuesday expressed grave concern about renewed violence and fatalities in Kiev, capital of Ukraine, while reiterating his appeal to all parties involved to act with restraint.

UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky said at a daily news briefing that Ban closely followed developments in Ukraine. The Secretary- General "reiterates his appeal

to all concerned to act with restraint in order to avoid any further violence."

Earlier on Tuesday, anti-government protesters attacked police with Molotov cocktails or petrol bombs outside the parliament building. Two vehicles blocking

the way to the parliament were torched by the demonstrators. Police responded with stun grenades and tear gas to push the crowd back.

The clash has left at least nine people dead and more than 100 others injured, according to reports.

"The Secretary-General had been encouraged by recent positive measures taken on both sides, including the amnesty for those detained as a result of the

protests as well as the decision by protesters to vacate government buildings," Nesirky said, who added Ban urged the "renewal of genuine dialogue between

all parties leading to rapid results."

Tuesday's unrest marked the latest wave of clashes between demonstrators and riot police in the almost three-month-old political standoff, which began last

November when the Ukrainian government's decision to backtrack on the country's European integration angered Ukrainians.

The demonstrations turned violent on Jan. 19, when radical activists attacked riot police with fireworks and petrol bombs, causing casualties.

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