UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday urged Georgia and Russia to take quick measures to implement a France-sponsored peace plan.

In a statement issued by his press office, Ban welcomed the acceptance by Georgia and Russia of the peace plan proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

"He calls for immediate follow through in implementing the agreed principles, including the full end to hostilities and the withdrawal of forces to previous positions," the statement noted.

Ban reiterated his support for a solution based on the full respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, and promised to use his good offices toward the restoration of peace and security in the region.

The UN chief thanked the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for their role in search of a lasting peaceful solution.

"The UN stands ready to facilitate international discussions as well as to contribute to possible peacekeeping or other arrangements for Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Ban said.

He also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the region and urged all parties to provide full and safe access for humanitarian organizations to the regions affected by the conflicts.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)