YouSaid · the spoken record

Raytchev

lines on the record: 90
first: 2002-05-03
most recent: 2003-11-21
sittings or episodes: 16
sources: un-security-council

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

“Allow me first of all, Mr. President, to thank you for having convened this important meeting of the Council on the situation in Kosovo. I should like also to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Michael Steiner, for his comprehensive briefing and to extend our gratitude to him for the work he has done with respect to the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). Bulgaria, as an associated country, fully supports that statement that will be made later in the debate by the representative of Italy on behalf of the European Union (EU). I shall therefore limit myself to only a few brief comments in my national capacity.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“It is our hope that the authorities of Guinea-Bissau will respond in a positive manner to the partnership approach defined by the Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Guinea-Bissau. In conclusion, I would like to express our appreciation for the role played by the Representative of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau, Mr. David Stephen, and the entire staff of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau in supporting the consolidation of democracy and promoting the rule of law and the protection of human rights. We also appreciate the draft text of the presidential statement prepared by the delegation of France, and are ready to support it.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“While we note that the reopening of the independent Radio Bombolom was a step in the right direction, we believe that there is much to be done in order to restore a climate of trust and national reconciliation in the country and to ensure that human rights and civil liberties are fully respected. Bulgaria appreciates the involvement of the United Nations system in the efforts of the international community to address the peace-building needs of Guinea-Bissau. We are grateful for the contribution made by the Security Council's Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, which agreed last year on a set of useful recommendations on Guinea-Bissau. We also highly appreciate the work done within the framework of the Economic and Social Council to help the peace- building process in the country.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“We express our concern with regard to the weakening of the rule of law and of the independence of the judiciary system, as well as with regard to infringements upon freedom of expression and access to information. In our View, concrete steps need to be taken at an early stage in order to address this situation. In that regard, we express the hope that the Constitution will be promulgated and that the President and Vice-Presidents of the Supreme Court will be elected as soon as possible. We note with concern that the human rights situation in Guinea-Bissau has become more fragile. The report of the Secretary-General contains worrisome information regarding that issue.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“Bulgaria fully supports the principles set out in the European Union Statement on Guinea-Bissau for organizing transparent and democratic elections. We expect that the authorities of Guinea-Bissau will take the necessary action in order to ensure equal opportunities for all participants in the forthcoming elections. We welcome the readiness of the donor community to provide assistance for holding the elections if the Government of Guinea-Bissau adheres to internationally recognized legal procedures. Bulgaria shares the view that respect for the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance are essential for the political and economic development of Guinea-Bissau.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“My country, like others, is concerned about the political and institutional instability in Guinea-Bissau, as well as about the worsening economic and social problems in that country. The troubling information that continues to emerge about the human rights situation is of particular concern to us. We agree that every effort should be made by the national leadership of Guinea-Bissau to make sure that the peace-building process is put on the right track. We concur with the Secretary-General's view that the forthcoming legislative elections are regarded as a crucial test of Guinea-Bissau's nascent democratic process. The importance of organizing timely, free and fair legislative elections cannot be overemphasized.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“First of all, I would like to join previous speakers in extending our thanks to you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely meeting of the Security Council. We welcome this opportunity to exchange views on the situation in Guinea-Bissau. I would also like to thank the Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. David Stephen, for his detailed briefing. We also welcome the participation and contributions of Ambassador Kumalo, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Guinea- Bissau, and of the representative of Gambia on behalf of the Group of Friends of Guinea-Bissau. Bulgaria fully associates itself with the statement of the Greek Presidency of the European Union adopted on 18 June 2003. I would like to make just a few comments in my national capacity.”
2003-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4776 (2003) · source
“We believe that support for resolution 1422 (2002) and for the resolution adopted today allows the Council to continue efforts to arrive at a solution that will not undermine the credibility of the ICC and will not affect in any way United Nations peacekeeping operations. For Bulgaria, it was particularly important to reach consensus on this resolution. While we are convinced that the search for compromise should not be linked to the weakening of important international treaties such as the Rome Statute, we remain of the View that Council members must act in the spirit of compromise and understanding and actively work to find a solution that is acceptable to all.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“In our consideration of this important matter, we are respecting both the International Criminal Court (ICC), which we View as the most ambitious achievement in current international law, to which we are strongly committed, and the Council, which is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. While sensitive to the legitimate concerns of the various countries involved in peacekeeping operations, Bulgaria among them, we continue to support the effective functioning of the ICC as a court with universal jurisdiction to combat and prevent crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“We appreciate the holding of this open Security Council debate on an issue of particular importance for the entire international community. We have listened carefully to the statements made before the Council. As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria endorses the statement earlier delivered by the representative of Greece on behalf of the Union. On a number of occasions, Bulgaria has expressed its adherence to the efforts for strengthening international law. In that regard, I would like to point out that Bulgaria fully recognizes and adheres to its international obligations as a State party to the Rome Statute and supports the European Union position on the need to strengthen the regime established under the Rome Statute.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“Bulgaria will continue to actively participate in these operations of the international community aimed at maintaining peace and security. Finally, we believe that in the forthcoming period all local political actors should focus their energy on solving concrete problems and normalizing life in Kosovo, rather than on making declarations calling for independence or division, which provoke concern in the region and in the international community. That would be appropriate behaviour and would lead to a timely resolution ofthe status issue in compliance with resolution 1244 (1999).”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“Bulgaria considers the continuing acts of inter- ethnic violence and the activities of organized crime in Kosovo as a strong destructive factor. We therefore call on local political leaders to exert their authority and influence in order to establish relations based on inter- ethnic tolerance. For that reason, we strongly condemn the murder ofa Serb family in Obilic earlier this month and hope that those responsible will be brought to justice. We support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to combat organized crime and the trafficking of human beings, as well as his efforts to revitalize the economy by attracting investment and to solve the daily practical problems ofthe population in Kosovo. The presence of UNMIK and KFOR plays a key role in Kosovo's security as well as in the wider region.”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“We hope that the recently established Transfer Council will proceed cautiously in its work by simultaneously taking into account the need for the swift achievement of the benchmarks and the legitimate interests of all communities and inhabitants of Kosovo. An important element in that process is the implementation of a realistic road map for the transfer of powers that more clearly marks the way towards implementing the "standards before status" policy on the basis of the benchmarks. In our View, local authorities should make real efforts, monitored by the international community, to build a functioning administration at all levels in Kosovo that reflects the multi-ethnic character of the region and serves all of Kosovo's inhabitants in a professional manner.”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“We emphasize once again our position that the political structures of all communities in Kosovo should demonstrate a higher political culture by bringing to an end all attempts to ignore the recommendations of the Special Representative; such attempts undermine and delay the process of normalization. As a factor of stability in the region, Bulgaria is interested in seeing the process of normalization continue in a speedy, organized and peaceful manner. That would have a strong, positive impact on the overall development of South-Eastern Europe and on its prosperity. We are aware of the fact that the process of transferring competencies from UNMIK to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in accordance with paragraph 11 of resolution 1244 (1999) will not be an easy one.”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“Bulgaria fully shares the view of the Contact Group on Kosovo expressed in Berlin on 19 May 2003 that considerable practical work still remains to be done in order to fulfil the benchmarks - especially those in the area of democratic governance - before the issue of Kosovo's status can be addressed. In that context, we believe that the final word on the status of Kosovo should be given to the United Nations, in compliance with resolution 1244 (1999). As a country of the South-Eastern European region, Bulgaria expresses its legitimate concern about the ongoing unilateral attempts and acts from different sides directed at implementing solutions not supported by the international community. In that connection, we think that destructive action aimed at obtaining unilateral political benefits should be categorically condemned.”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“Allow me, first of all, to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting of the Council on Kosovo. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General He'di Annabi for his comprehensive briefing. Bulgaria, an associated country of the European Union, fully supports the statement that will be made later in this debate by the representative of Greece on behalf of the European Union. I shall therefore limit myself to a few brief comments in my national capacity. We welcome the progress achieved in the peace process in Kosovo and extend our thanks to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Michael Steiner, for his efforts aimed at normalizing life in the region.”
2003-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4770 (2003) · source
“In our View, although that issue has been extensively discussed in the General Assembly's Sixth Committee, in the Security Council and during the Stockholm Process, there are still aspects to be clarified. Work on those aspects should continue in the future. In conclusion, I would like to express our confidence that the outcome of the Stockholm Process provides answers to key problems having practical importance for the work of the Security Council in the area of implementing sanctions. We believe that the steady and purposeful work of the participants in the Process will contribute significantly to our common efforts to devise better-targeted and more effective sanctions aimed at more efficiently preventing future threats to international peace and security.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“The main objective of the planning and implementation of targeted sanctions should be that they be well focused on the targeted actors. In that regard, the final report of the Stockholm Process contains useful observations and guidelines. Finally, an important issue related to the negative side effects of the implementation of sanctions is the practical implementation of the provisions of Article 50 of the Charter of the United Nations, which provides for consultations between the Security Council and third States confronted with special economic problems arising from the carrying out of preventive or enforcement measures in compliance with Chapter VII of the Charter.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“Coordination between the expert groups and the sanctions committees, on the one hand, and the relevant technical and regional organizations, on the other, should also be improved. We also believe it would be useful to have regular coordination between the sanctions committees, including the holding of joint meetings aimed at facilitating their work and ensuring consistency and continuity among them. In our View, the need to improve the management of information related to the implementation of sanctions is also to be stressed. The putting in place of a centralized and accessible database and the establishment of an integrated institutional memory would ensure continuity in this work and provide timely relevant background information on the implementation of sanctions.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“Such assessment should be conducted in accordance with preliminary criteria, based on, for example, the methodologies developed by the Inter-agency Standing Committee of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and reflected adequately in the reports of the Expert Groups on Liberia. Extremely useful, in our View, is the regular assessment of the unintended impact of enforced sanctions, which allows for distinction between the effects of sanctions and other causes of humanitarian and economic crises in the targeted State. We also support the proposal for the establishment of an autonomous uniform mechanism for sanctions- monitoring within the framework of the United Nations Secretariat aimed at improving coordination and avoiding duplication in the work of the ad hoc expert groups.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“That should allow for the adequate focusing of targeted sanctions on responsible decision makers while minimizing unintended side effects, such as negative consequences for the population of the targeted State, its neighbours or third States. In that connection, the Stockholm Process provides valuable practical guidelines on how to improve sanctions methodology. Secondly, humanitarian impact assessment should be included as a standard requirement in the regular reports of the expert groups, which is the practice developed under Security Council resolution 1408 (2002), on Liberia.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“The inclusion of a special section dedicated to unintended consequences of sanctions implementation for third States and to the need for direct or indirect compensation for damages caused to them was backed by the experience of Bulgaria as a State severely affected by the sanctions imposed on the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Libya and Iraq. We support the final report of the Stockholm Process as a whole. I should like, on behalf of my country, only to add the following comments. Bulgaria supports the View that the imposition of compulsory measures by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations against States and/or other entities whose actions represent a threat to international peace and security shall be done on the basis of a preliminary comprehensive assessment of the situation.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“We are also grateful to the academic circles - especially those from Uppsala University - as well as to the diplomats, international officials, scholars and independent experts working in the area of sanctions and, last but not least, to the non- governmental organizations that took part in the Process. As an active participant both in the preparatory discussion and in the final meeting, held at Stockholm in November 2002, Bulgaria shares and supports the conclusions, guidelines and recommendations laid down in the final text of the report.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“First of all, I should like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open meeting on general issues relating to sanctions and on the final report of the Stockholm Process on the Implementation of Targeted Sanctions. Let me also express our gratitude to the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, His Excellency Mr. Hans Dahlgren, as well as to the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, under whose auspices the final meeting of the Stockholm Process was held. We appreciate the presentation by Assistant Secretary-General Turk, which was insightful and has been helpful for this discussion.”
2003-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4713 (2003) · source
“The Republic of Bulgaria regrets that it was not possible to achieve unanimity among the 15 member States of the Security Council on the draft resolution just voted. We strongly believe that the division of the Council does not help in any way to find just solutions in favour of peace and security. By abstaining, the Republic of Bulgaria does not oppose the text of the draft resolution in principal. We categorically deplore all acts of violence causing a loss of human life and destruction.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source
“In this context devising appropriate exit strategies is of critical importance for the successful post-conflict reconstruction and development. In conclusion, I would like to use the words of Mrs. d'Achon of France delivered last year at the 4445th meeting, on the same occasion, when Bulgaria was sitting at the side bench and preparing for membership in the Council: "This is a time for saying au revoir - though certainly not adieu - to the five non- permanent members that are leaving the Council; of course, we will continue to work with them outside the Security Council and use to the maximum their experience and expertise."”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“With regard to its working methods, the Council should definitely continue to build on the positive results already achieved, namely in the area of more openness and transparency, as well as in its interaction with the media. Strengthened cooperation with the other United Nations organs and bodies on the basis of a comparative advantage and adherence to the respective mandates should also be commended. In this regard we consider that the positive experience of the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Africa and its interaction with the Economic and Social Council could be explored further. Finally, on the issue of conflict management, we support more focused attention on the Council's future activities on the connections between conflict prevention and conflict resolution and the work to promote sustainable development.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“The Council should continue to attach priority attention to the situation in this country with a view to finding the appropriate means to reverse the process of sliding into turmoil in that part of Africa. On the activities of the sanctions committees, we listened carefully to the briefings of the outgoing chairmen only yesterday. The views expressed, the lessons learned and the recommendations on possible improvement of the methods of work should definitely be taken into consideration in the Council's future activities. Important contributions in this direction could be made in the working group on sanctions, which has resumed its work but still has not achieved real progress on the recommendations made.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“While the situation in Sierra Leone in 2002 has considerably improved, thanks to the action of the Council, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone and the commendable efforts of the United Kingdom, the Council will have to follow closely the unstable situation in neighbouring Liberia. Considerable strides were made in the peace process in Angola. The United Nations peacekeeping efforts with regard to Ethiopia/Eritrea are encouraging too. We have to continue to work hard on all these issues next yean Despite the achievements of the "facilitation and the regional" initiative, the situation in Burundi still demands close monitoring by the Council. We also have to closely follow the developments in Cote d'Ivoire. The commencement of the second phase of the Somalia reconciliation process is a significant step forward.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“Significant progress was achieved in the resolution of the conflict in the Great Lakes region, which is probably the most complex of all conflicts in Africa. This is a conflict where the Security Council can make a difference. The Council remained, throughout the year, in constant contact with the parties. The mission to the region in May, and the high- level meeting with the parties in September in New York, were positive contributions to the coordinated efforts of the international community to bring peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region as a whole. In 2003, we have to continue to be proactive on this issue in order to consolidate the peace process.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“The most convincing of these are the progress achieved in East Timor, the excellent work on Afghanistan, the improvement of the situation in Sierra Leone, and the progress in the Balkans in the context of the successful completion of the United Nations missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Prevlaka. The enormous amount of work done by the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Committee established under resolution 1267 (1999) aimed at insuring the necessary conditions for full implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) also definitely deserves a positive assessment. The biggest portion of the Council's work was devoted to conflicts on the African continent, although with mixed results.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“These views are truly valuable, since they give a succinct review of a two-year experience, on which the Council could build in its future activities. Since the previous speakers have already covered most of the areas relevant for this discussion, I would like to focus briefly on several issues that we deem important. With regard to the programme of work, we share the View that during the past year the Council has dealt on a continuous basis with a series of complex political and security situations, achieving positive results on a number of cases.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“Allow me first of all, Mr. President, to join the previous speakers in extending to you and to the entire team of the delegation of Colombia our warmest congratulations on your able guidance of the work of the Security Council during the month of December. You have coped with the challenging tasks before the Council in a remarkable manner, in spite of the fact that the Council's programme during the month was a truly busy one. This wrap-up session of the Council has, in a way, a unique and symbolic character, since it is being held at the end of the year, when the time is most appropriate to look retrospectively at what has been achieved and what has not during the past year. In addition, it is time to listen to the views of those non- permanent members that are leaving the Council.”
2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source
“We believe that the talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides should be resumed as soon as possible to resolve this issue and to prevent violence and bloodshed in this holy site. We are convinced that the international community should build on every positive element achieved so far in order to move ahead as soon as possible with the process of achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. The role and unity of the Security Council are essential to contributing to these efforts. Bulgaria is ready to support any initiative that can contribute to the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“During the last public meeting, the delegation of Bulgaria expressed its concern at the alarming humanitarian situation in the West Bank, particularly in the Jenin refugee camp. The information from the region shows that basic food and health care are still needed. The international community should take action to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. Israel must comply fully with international humanitarian principles and refrain from the excessive use of force. It must not only guarantee full and impeded access of humanitarian organizations to the populations in need; it must also actively cooperate with them in the field. We are concerned at the situation regarding the stand-off at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The destruction of the infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority during the Israeli military campaign undermines its capabilities to enforce the rule of law, control extremist groups and prevent violence, including through security cooperation. We share the concern that the security vacuum may lead in the long term to an even greater risk to Israel's security. Therefore, there is a need to urgently rebuild the infrastructure of the Palestinian administration and to make it operational. In this regard, we welcome the meeting of donors recently held in Oslo and the strong commitment of the international community to continue to provide economic aid for peace-building in the region.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Bulgaria commends the efforts of international diplomacy, in particular of the United States and the United Kingdom, that led to the peaceful solution of the tense situation surrounding Chairman Arafat's compound in Ramallah. The full freedom of movement of the Palestinian leader will allow him to contribute further to the peace efforts. He must make use of his freedom to exercise the political leadership of the Palestinian Authority and his people and to do all in his power to stop the violence and to rebuild the Palestinian security structures. The Palestinian administration should commit itself to stopping the terror, dismantling its infrastructure and putting an end to incitement to violence.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“My delegation is concerned at the fact that at this very moment the pullback of the Israeli military forces from the territories of the Palestinian Authority has not yet been completed, as required by the Security Council. My delegation deeply regrets the decision of the Government of Israel not to cooperate with the Secretary-General's initiative to dispatch a fact-finding mission to the Jenin refugee camp. It is necessary that the events that have occurred in the camp be brought to light. We highly appreciate the efforts of the Secretary- General to develop accurate information regarding the recent events in Jenin. My delegation expresses its support for any future effort by the Secretary-General to provide the Council with the relevant information when it becomes available.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We stress the importance of Security Council resolutions, which remain the only possible basis for stability and peace throughout the region. We commend the diplomatic efforts of the "quartet" to pursue the immediate implementation of Council resolutions and to achieve accelerated progress on the political front. We welcome the fact that during its last meeting in Washington, the "quartet" agreed on a number of very concrete steps that will be undertaken together with the parties and the international community. We support the readiness to begin preparations for an international conference to meet this summer to deal with security, economic and humanitarian issues.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“At the outset, I would like to join the previous speakers in congratulating you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. At the same time, I would like to congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Lavrov, for the exemplary manner in which he steered the work of the Council during the month of April. Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement on the Middle East made earlier by Spain on behalf of the European Union. My country is deeply concerned at the continuing, very serious situation in the Middle East and reiterates its strong appeal for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the application of every possible effort to overcome the crisis and restore the peace process.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source