(VOVworld) - Concerned by the political crisis in Thailand, UN Chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday urged all parties involved to engage in a dialogue as soon as possible.

Anti-government protesters hold Thai baht banknotes ready to donate to their leader marching in downtown Bangkok February 7, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

In a statement issued by Ban's spokesman in New York, Ban condemned the recent escalation of violence. He urged all parties to respect human rights and the rule of law and resist using violence to resolve political differences.

Ban urged parties to engage as soon as possible in meaningful dialogue toward ending the crisis and advancing genuine reform. He expressed his readiness to assist the Thai people in any way possible to resolve this crisis.

The same day, EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton also expressed deep concern about the recent violence in Thailand.