YouSaid · the spoken record

Rossen Plevneliev

lines on the record: 36
first: 2012-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We deeply mourn their loss as well as that of all the victims of the Holocaust. Recently, citizens from different parts of the world, Bulgaria included, have engaged actively in public life, demanding greater transparency, accountability, decency and integrity from their politicians. We in my country believe that this renewed energy on the part of civil society deserves to be encouraged and supported. I firmly believe that safeguarding human dignity is the ultimate goal of the United Nations, as, indeed, of any genuine democracy.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Bulgaria highly values the partnership and policy advice provided by the UNICEF Office in Sofia and others worldwide in modernizing the national child-protection sector and achieving more equitable and inclusive child care. Today we are building the world of tomorrow. Young people should be at the heart of those efforts as active participants, not as bystanders. For Bulgaria, young people are key stakeholders in the post-2015 development agenda. This year Bulgaria commemorates the seventieth anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the death camps during the Second World War, a unique achievement of Bulgarian civil society. Unfortunately, our country was in a situation where it could not do the same for Jews from northern Greece and parts of Yugoslavia.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The new universal and legally binding climate agreement to be signed in 2015 should reinforce the overarching post-2015 development agenda and speed up the international community’s efforts to introduce new sustainable models for growth. Culture and education should be accorded their rightful place in the post-2015 development agenda. In that regard, UNESCO’s role is of pivotal importance. Let me take this opportunity to reiterate Bulgaria’s strong support for the re-election of Ms. Irina Bokova to a second term as Director-General. I would like also to express Bulgaria’s admiration for the work done by UNICEF in the service of the children of the world.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We are still a long way from the future we want. The Rio de Janeiro Conference on Sustainable Development outlined a comprehensive agenda for further work to be completed in the three dimensions of sustainable development. The recently published report of the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post- 2015 Development Agenda presents key proposals for transformative shifts and a global, people-centred and planet-sensitive agenda. Bulgaria is actively engaged in the negotiation process on the new sustainable development goals, with a view to achieving a post-2015 framework that is human rights-driven, builds upon the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals and integrates poverty eradication and sustainable development in a single and coherent process.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“That includes a revitalized General Assembly, a strengthened Economic and Social Council and a Security Council that reflects contemporary realities. As member of the Eastern European regional group, Bulgaria continues to hold its position as to the need for allotting at least one additional non-permanent seat in an enlarged Security Council to the group, given the fact that, in the past 20 years, its membership has more than doubled. Based on our long-standing engagement with the principles and values of the United Nations, I pledge that Bulgaria will be a responsible and reliable partner should it be elected as a Security Council non-permanent member for the term 2018-2019. We hope that the Members of the United Nations will entrust Bulgaria with that responsibility, and we stand ready to shoulder it in a spirit of partnership.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“As a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and as a member of the bureau of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention in New York, my country is strongly engaged in promoting the comprehensive and consistent implementation of the Convention at all levels, including by engaging disabled people’s organizations as an important partner in disability-inclusive development. My country is convinced that the course of reforms of the United Nations should continue in order to enhance the efficiency, representativeness and transparency of the entire United Nations system. To meet the needs of a changing world, the United Nations should continuously adapt and improve.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On this occasion, Bulgaria would like to emphasize its strong conviction that human rights should remain one of the foremost priorities for the United Nations. As a candidate for membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2019-2021, Bulgaria will intensify its efforts in promoting the highest human rights standards both domestically and internationally. We welcome the convening of the High-level Meeting on the Realization of the Millennium Development Goals and Other Internationally Agreed Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“If common borders and geographical proximity make us neighbours, shared cultural heritage is what makes us a family. This year we, the Slavic nations, celebrate together the one thousandth one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the mission of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia. Almost 12 centuries ago, they bestowed upon us the invaluable gift of the first Slavic alphabet. Bulgaria welcomed the disciples Saint Cyril and Methodius and adopted the Cyrillic script, which has helped us to preserve our national identity over the centuries. This year the international community marks the twentieth anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on human rights.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Building trust, good neighbourly relations, stability and security in South-Eastern Europe and in the Black Sea region is among Bulgaria’s priorities. My country remains strongly committed and will continue to support the efforts of our partners from the Western Balkans to meet the European Union membership criteria and take their legitimate place in the united European family. The European Neighbourhood Policy remains one of the most efficient instruments of the European Union to deepen cooperation and ensure peace and stability in the broader region. Bulgaria attaches particular importance to the Eastern dimension of the Policy to enhance relations with countries of the Black Sea region and members of the Eastern Partnership.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The critical role of international cooperation in this area once again points to the necessity of a prompt finalization of the negotiations on a draft comprehensive convention to combat terrorism. Let us take a look at what Europe has achieved in the past century. From a continent in ruins, torn apart by wars, we, Europeans, have created an area of peace, security and prosperity. Enemies have become friends and allies, united for a better future for their children. Today, in the European Union, we have harmonized regulations and share a single market, all underpinned by our common values. The past 25 years in the history of the Balkans are another great example of what can be achieved when neighbours work together towards a common goal.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On behalf of Bulgaria, I convey my deepest condolences to the people and the Government of Kenya, but also Iraq, Pakistan and other countries where deadly terrorist attacks have occurred. On 18 July 2012, a terrorist attack claimed six innocent lives at a Bulgarian airport. That incident changed Bulgaria forever and is a reminder that the fight against terrorism is a common cause, on which the entire international community must remain united. We believe that the perpetrator of that horrendous terrorist act will be brought to justice soon. Bulgaria is grateful for the moral support, solidarity and practical assistance of other Member States in the investigation of that horrific crime.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Bulgaria welcomes the appointment of former Minister for Foreign Affairs Nickolay Mladenov as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. His mission in Iraq is an important contribution to the peacebuilding and restoration process in that friendly country and to the stability of the region as a whole. Bulgaria condemns terrorism as one of the most horrific crimes and challenging threats to international peace and security. Terrorism has no face, no name, no colour and no religion. It strikes unexpectedly and scars the lives of everyone it touches. Recently, terrorism struck again in Nairobi.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Bulgaria welcomes the successful adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, and looks forward to its prompt entry into force. My country is encouraged by the resumption of the direct peace talks between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority at the initiative of Secretary Kerry, the Quartet and the parties concerned. We expect both sides to demonstrate perseverance and commitment to a peaceful solution, to respect each other’s legitimate interests and to refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine the process. Negotiations are the best way forward towards the ultimate goal, namely, a just, comprehensive and lasting solution on the basis of the two-State formula.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Despite its financial constraints, the Government has adopted an emergency plan and has provided additional resources in order to guarantee adequate assistance, accommodation and services to Syrian refugees. We count on the assistance and help provided by our partners and the humanitarian bodies of the United Nations system. We expect that Iran will demonstrate clear political will and address the concerns of the international community by providing credible evidence of the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. In that respect, Iran’s full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency is of paramount importance. The Government in Tehran must show greater transparency in its nuclear activities and should fully comply with all the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The use of chemical weapons should not divert attention from the persistent gross violations of human rights and continued human suffering. The momentum created should be used to move towards a lasting political solution to the conflict through the resumption of the Geneva process, with the active involvement of the United Nations. The worsening humanitarian crisis requires joint coordinated action to alleviate the suffering and help those in need. Bulgaria has provided humanitarian assistance to ease the plight of refugees in neighbouring countries. Situated not far from the region, my country is also affected by the daily influx of refugees from Syria.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Bulgaria, which is one of the signatory countries of a letter urging the Security Council to immediately refer the situation in Syria to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, joins similar calls coming from the Secretary- General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. My country welcomes the framework agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation to place Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal under international control with a view to its swift and secure destruction, and joins them in demanding that the Syrian regime provide the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons with immediate access to inspect any and all sites in Syria. We call on the Security Council to unite and shoulder its relevant responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations, including Chapter VII.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The situation in Syria continues to be a major cause of concern and a risk to regional and global security. Bulgaria strongly condemns the chemical attack on 21 August, which took the lives of thousands of innocent people, including many children. The use of chemical weapons in Syria constitutes a blatant violation of international law, a war crime and a crime against humanity. There is strong evidence to substantiate the assertion that the Syrian regime is responsible for those attacks, as it is the only party that possesses chemical agents, weapons and the means of their delivery for an attack of that scale. There can be no impunity, and the perpetrators of that heinous attack must be held accountable.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Nowadays it is hard to accept that more than 1 billion people still suffer from extreme poverty and malnutrition and that basic health services for many women and babies remain a remote luxury. Disparities in wealth distribution, quality of life and personal opportunities have become more extreme across the globe. Climate change and environmental degradation have reached an alarming level and require our urgent collective response. The well-being of future generations is at risk due to the irrational management of natural resources. Despite our efforts, wars and armed conflicts continue to rage in different regions and cause thousands of deaths and are leading to humanitarian crises and human suffering. We also continue to witness violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I am truly honoured to address this forum. Let me convey my congratulations to you, Sir, on your election to preside over the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. Bulgaria welcomes the theme you have selected as timely and relevant and wishes you every success. A 16 year-old Bulgarian boy, writing a school report on the Millennium Development Goals, compared the world’s development model to a colourful carpet in which some colours, threads and stitches were missing, making it look unfinished, patchy and ragged. Indeed, the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals resembles an unfinished work. Undoubtedly, a lot has been achieved in the global fight against poverty and underdevelopment, but progress has been unsteady and limited.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Over the past few years, the role of UNICEF in Bulgaria evolved from the usual technical assistance to a strategic partnership with the Government in order to promote fundamental reforms. In November this year, my country will host a UNICEF-sponsored high-level regional conference on child care system reform. Finally, let me assure the Assembly that Bulgaria will continue to give its full support to the noble cause of building a stronger, rule-based multilateral system with an enhanced role for the United Nations at its centre. Success on that path will be achieved only by working together.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Being myself a strong supporter of greater focus on education as a key area for sustainable development, allow me to express my high appreciation for the initiative of the Secretary-General “Education First”. I am convinced that in a knowledge-based network of economies, education is the best investment in order to prepare young generations for global citizenship. We welcome the designation of UNESCO’s Director- General, Mrs. Irina Bokova, as the Executive Secretary for this initiative. In view of her outstanding performance so far, Bulgaria advocates Mrs. Bokova’s re-election for a second term at the helm of UNESCO for the period 2013 to 2017. We highly value UNICEF’s noble mission to promote children’s rights, safety and well-being.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The General Assembly should discuss the formulation of sustainable development goals to be integrated into the United Nations development agenda beyond 2015. We see an important role for the Economic and Social Council in the process, and we stand ready to contribute, taking the opportunity of our membership in the Council. In the context of the United Nations development agenda, let me stress that Bulgaria, as an EU member, is deeply committed to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and is working to gradually increase its share as a donor of development and humanitarian aid, in compliance with the commitments it has undertaken. During this Assembly session, Bulgaria will sign the Food Assistance Convention.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“That is why we need to make the best use of existing regional bodies, such as the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and the South-Eastern European Cooperation Process with its Regional Cooperation Council. A few months ago, at the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, we made a good start on the path to a greener and safer world. The outcome documents indicate that sustainable development is the only possible way forward. The triple-win policies envisaged in the outcome document, “The future we want” (resolution 66/288, annex) seek to advance social development, economic growth and environmental sustainability, all at the same time. Our task now is to focus on the Conference follow-up and to deliver.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We confirm our conviction that all States of the region should one day become part of the European Union, on the basis of their own merits and criteria fulfilled in the negotiation process. At the same time, pursuing the national reform agendas, solving outstanding issues and building regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, in accordance with the European standards, is of direct benefit to all countries of the region and their European perspective. All of us in South-Eastern Europe are interested in promoting business and human contacts with our neighbours, developing cross-border projects and facilitating travel, building railways and highways, and developing communications and regional energy and transport infrastructure facilities — all as part of the pan-European networks.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We got experts, officials and representatives from Governments, non-governmental organizations and civil societies all over the world focusing on the transition processes in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East. The forum showed that although the historical, cultural and political realities vary in different countries and regions, conclusions and lessons learned can be relevant in the field of national reconciliation, rule of law, institution-building and security sector reform. Bulgaria maintains its unwavering commitment to the process of European Union (EU) enlargement, involving all our neighbouring countries of South- Eastern Europe and the Balkans.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I think our greatest achievement in this process was to have preserved the long-standing tradition of tolerance and dialogue between ethnic and religious communities within Bulgarian society. That tradition can be clearly illustrated by a glimpse of the centre of our capital, where four temples of different religions — Islam, Judaism and Catholic and Orthodox Christianity — coexist peacefully, surrounded by archaeological monuments of several ancient civilizations. It is in this spirit that we stand ready to share the experience from our road to democracy with other countries undergoing similar challenges. More than a year ago, Bulgaria initiated an international forum called the Sofia Platform , providing a useful venue for dialogue and an exchange of views and best practices among countries in the region.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We look to a resumption of the high-level negotiations on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and a clear demonstration of political will by the Iranian authorities to undertake concrete confidence-building steps and address the concerns of the international community. Bulgaria highly values the role of the Human Rights Council as the primary United Nations body for the protection and promotion of human rights. I am delighted to announce that my country will be seeking, for the first time, election to the Council for the period 2019 to 2021. Over the past two decades, Bulgaria has gone through a successful transition from totalitarian rule to a functioning democracy with an open market economy and a vibrant civil society. It has been a difficult, dramatic and sometimes turbulent journey.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is essential that we continue to strengthen the comprehensive regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and of other major international instruments, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention. With regard to conventional arms, Bulgaria consistently supports the negotiation process leading to the adoption of a legally binding arms trade treaty that is robust in substance. Along with others, we believe that Iran’s full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency is of paramount importance. The Government in Tehran must show greater transparency of its nuclear activities and fully comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“At the same time, the need to reactivate the Middle East peace process seems now more pressing than ever. Bulgaria looks forward to the resumption in good faith of direct negotiations and expects both parties to demonstrate their continued commitment to a peaceful solution that respects the legitimate interests and sensitivities of the Israeli and Palestinian people. All efforts should made to create an environment conducive to a comprehensive peace settlement between the two States, a two-State solution. In that respect, we urge both the Palestinians and the Israelis to refrain from any unilateral actions that could be destructive to the peace process. Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are areas that continue to demand strong political will and action by the international community.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“While the violence and bloodshed should be stopped immediately, we also call for the start of a transition towards inclusive and representative democratic rule in Syria, one that guarantees the rights of all citizens regardless of ethnicity or religion. Bulgaria has supported the Syrian opposition groups in their efforts to unite on an alternative to the current regime, on the basis of the vision of a new democratic State that can be a home that welcomes all Syrians. The promotion of just, inclusive and transparent societies supports the process of democratic transition, known as the Arab Spring, that has swept across the Middle East and North Africa. Bulgaria welcomes the steps taken by several countries on the path to constitutional and political reform, and we trust that those are now irreversible.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We call for full accountability on the part of the perpetrators, including by bringing them before the International Criminal Court. My country subscribes to the acts of solidarity undertaken by the European Union and its members in providing relief to the suffering civilian population through emergency humanitarian assistance. It is regrettable that the active involvement of the United Nations and the international community has so far failed to ensure the Syrian authorities’ compliance with the peace proposals elaborated through international mediation. Bulgaria gave its full support to the diplomatic efforts of Mr. Kofi Annan and welcomed the appointment of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi as Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We urge all involved to show tolerance and avoid provocative actions that can be destructive to peace and stability. For more than a year now the continuing brutal violence in Syria has provoked our extreme concern. Each day brings testimony of unacceptable levels of bloodshed and human suffering. The regime in Damascus has lost all legitimacy by waging a reckless war on its own people and refusing to heed the calls for a negotiated way out of the crisis. Due to the growing number of refugees, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating day by day and the stability of neighbouring countries is also at risk. Bulgaria condemns these gross violations of basic United Nations principles and of international humanitarian law.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Just a few weeks ago, at the Sofia synagogue, we paid tribute to the memory of five Israeli citizens and one Bulgarian who lost their lives in the shocking terrorist attack last July at the airport of Sarafovo, a lively tourist destination on our Black Sea coast. From this high stage today in New York, a few miles from the September 11 memorial, I now reaffirm our strongest condemnation of that awful crime. My country will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators and masterminds to justice. That attack on our own soil has made us stronger and more determined to align with others in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We condemn the violent acts committed recently in the name of defending religious beliefs. This is unacceptable.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“At yesterday’s High-level Meeting, we affirmed our credo that the rule of law forms the basis of a peaceful and predictable system of international relations. Nowadays, as conflicts have become more complex, we share the view that mediation and good offices should be the tools of preference for dealing with escalating tension. Delivering justice is vital to addressing terrorism, one of the ugliest and most despicable crimes against humanity. No cause whatsoever can justify the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians. Sadly enough, no country or human being today can feel safe or insured against this evil.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Our time is marked by historic shifts and by achievements in science, technology and communications that shape the global economy and politics but that, we should also bear in mind, have an impact on every human being. More and more nations around the world have now opted for open, free and democratic societies based on the rule of law and good governance. But such historic transformations do not always bring more peace and stability. On many occasions we still face extreme violence and bloodshed, causing senseless loss of innocent lives, human suffering and destruction. The main theme of the Assembly’s general debate today could not be more relevant for us as political leaders. Dealing with violent conflicts and promoting peace, security, development and human rights have always been at the core of the United Nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is a great honour for me to speak from this rostrum for the first time since I took office in January. I would like to congratulate President Jeremić on assuming the chair of this highly representative body and wish him success in his challenging task. I also wish to commend the work of his predecessor, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. Let me express our gratitude and appreciation to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his inspiring vision, reform efforts and result-oriented action. I also wish to welcome the appointment of Mr. Jan Eliasson of Sweden as Deputy Secretary-General.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)