United Nations, May 21 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon has urged all sides in Thailand to refrain from violence and respect human rights after the Thai army invoked martial law across the country.

Ban “has consistently called on all sides to work together to seek a solution to the prolonged political stalemate through constructive dialogue”, Xinhua quoted a statement issued by his spokesperson as saying Tuesday.

The UN chief urged all sides to exercise utmost restraint, refrain from any violence and fully respect human rights, the statement said, noting that the way to secure Thailand’s peace and prosperity is “through full respect for democratic principles and engagement in democratic processes”.

In the face of a looming street chaos in the Thai capital, the Thai army declared Martial Law before dawn Tuesday, stating that it was aimed to keep the country stable after six months of protests.