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87

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1999-02-25

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2001-08-02

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10

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un-security-council

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1. “Improved international cooperation and the coordination of national State policies are indispensable for the attainment of this goal. Bulgaria will continue its cooperation with the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies on monitoring the sanctions, including arms embargoes, and will render all necessary assistance for the implementation of Security Council measures undertaken under Chapter VII of the Charter. Before concluding, let me assure the Council that Bulgaria is fully committed to further contributing to the efforts of the international community to eradicate the illicit trade in small arms, which has a destabilizing effect and poses a threat to international peace and security.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

2. “I would like to refer to the importance of the documents adopted at the Regional Conference on Export Controls, held in Sofia in December 1999. The measures agreed at that Conference enhance national export control systems, in line with the European standards, strengthen the process of regional cooperation in preventing illicit arms-trafficking and controlling exports of arms and dual-use goods and technologies, and constitute a sound contribution to regional stability in South- Eastern Europe. We commend the valuable practical work of the Security Council's arms embargo monitoring mechanisms. We are convinced that full and strict implementation of Security Council sanctions can be achieved only through goodwill and a synergy of actions on the part of all relevant actors.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

3. “We are in close cooperation with a number of partners, such as the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands and others, on a whole range of issues regarding stockpile management and destruction of small arms and light weapons. Under the terms of an agreement for cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria and the State Department of the United States of America, signed on the last day of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, a surplus in small arms, nearly 80,000 units, will be destroyed using existing facilities in Bulgaria. In addition to taking steps at the national level, Bulgaria actively promotes regional cooperation in South-Eastern Europe.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

4. “During the last two years, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted a series of internal regulations related to the implementation of Security Council sanctions. These acts translate the provisions of Security Council resolutions into Bulgaria's domestic legislation and enforce them with respect to Bulgarian nationals and legal entities. Currently, a governmental decree for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1343 (2001), on the imposition of sanctions against Liberia, is in the process of preparation for adoption by the Bulgarian Government. In accordance with our international commitments and the restructuring programme of the Bulgarian armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has already started projects for the destruction of surplus small arms and light weapons.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

5. “Our country abides by the provisions of the moratorium on small arms transfers established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We welcome the recent decision in Lusaka by the ECOWAS heads of State and Government to renew the moratorium on the import, export and manufacture of light weapons for a second three-year period, with effect from 5 July 2001. In the context of the foregoing, Bulgaria has introduced and developed a robust system of export controls for foreign trade activities in arms and dual- use goods and technologies, corresponding to the highest existing international standards. The Bulgarian Government has established the regular practice of adopting special normative acts or decrees stemming from a given international commitment.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

6. “We are pleased to see that the positive outcome of the Conference is already galvanizing the political will to fight the problem at national, regional and global levels. Bulgaria is pursuing a responsible policy of stringent control over arms exports in compliance with existing regional and international standards. I would like to share some of our national experience. Bulgaria has aligned itself with the criteria and principles contained in the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and the European Union Joint Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons of December 1998. On 2 February 2001, the Bulgarian Government adopted a special normative act for the implementation of the principles, standards and criteria contained in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe document on small arms and light weapons.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

7. “The importance of this meeting is emphasized by the fact that it is being convened only a few days after the successful completion of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, chaired in a professional and devoted way by Ambassador Camilo Reyes of Colombia. Bulgaria has associated itself with the statement made by the representative of Belgium, on behalf of the European Union, and we fully share the view that the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects should be assessed as a landmark in, and an impetus to, the efforts of the United Nations to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in strategic arms and light weapons.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

8. “At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, on Colombia's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. On behalf of the Bulgarian delegation, I wish you every success in fulfilling your demanding and challenging tasks in presiding over this important body. Let me join previous speakers in congratulating Ambassador Alfonso Valdivieso and his colleagues on the excellent preparations for this open debate. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the consideration of the issue of small arms an item on the Security Council's agenda since September 1999 that is of particular concern to the international community.”

   2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source

9. “The international community, including the countries from the region, should assume its high responsibilities for the stability of the Republic of Macedonia and should prevent further destabilization emanating from Kosovo. Bulgaria is actively contributing to peace and security in south-eastern Europe. In this context we are rendering military and technical assistance to the Republic of Macedonia. I would like to assure the Council that the Bulgarian Government will further support any concrete steps for the full implementation of Security council resolution 1244 (1999), including the endeavours undertaken by Mr. Haekkerup and his staff, and will spare no effort in continuing and developing its active role in promoting regional stability and cooperation.”

   2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

10. “Therefore, we share the view of the Macedonian Government that urgent measures to stop the escalation of violence and to calm the situation are necessary. In this regard, the Bulgarian Government reconfirms its position that the political and material isolation of the extremists is of utmost importance in order to bring the conflict to an end. Moreover, in our view, the solution of the problems in the conflict zones along the border between the Republic of Macedonia and the Kosovo section of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is to be found in the active involvement of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), which should take all appropriate measures to disrupt the supply sources of the extremists and prevent the smuggling of weapons and military equipment over the border.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

11. “We consider that the stability of that State is vital for security in the region. It is of key importance that the territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia, within its internationally recognized borders, be preserved and strengthened. We commend the Macedonian Government for its restraint and for its search for political and diplomatic means to face the existing threats. It is encouraging that all responsible political actors in the Republic of Macedonia have supported the constructive approach of the Government and the President in tackling the situation. The recent provocative terrorist events, including the acts in Tetovo, however, aim to disturb the inter- ethnic relations in the Republic of Macedonia.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

12. “We commend the continued implementation by UNMIK of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and would like especially to point out that the Mission began to shift the focus away from rehabilitation efforts to political and economic reconstruction. However, the Bulgarian Government is deeply concerned over the ongoing ethnically motivated violence in Kosovo. There will be no substantive results in political and economic capacity-building without inter-ethnic tolerance and dialogue. Being concerned with the security situation in the ground safety zone in southern Serbia, we welcome the ceasefire agreement signed on 12 March 2001 as a positive step in the right direction. Bulgaria has already had the opportunity to express its solidarity with the Republic of Macedonia at a moment when its territorial integrity and security are at stake.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

13. “I would like to welcome the substantive contribution to this Security Council meeting of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Hans Haekkerup. I wish him every success in the fulfilment of his difficult tasks. As Bulgaria has aligned itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union, I would like to make only brief comments as representative of a country neighbouring both the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Macedonia. Bulgaria welcomes the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, contained in document S/2001/218.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

14. “Bulgaria will continue to closely follow the situation on the border between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Macedonia and will spare no efforts in promoting stability and cooperation in southeastern Europe. My Government will welcome any decision by the Security Council that could reduce the tension and facilitate the full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999).”

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source

15. “Otherwise, if the escalation of tension is not curbed in due time, the United Nations might be forced to resort to a much larger-scale and costly operation. We commend the readiness of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to support the stability and security of the Republic of Macedonia. As a participant in the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo, Bulgaria expects further measures to be taken in order to strengthen the control of the Yugoslav border between Kosovo and Macedonia and to disrupt the supply sources of the extremists. A case in point is to find ways for guaranteeing the implementation of the provisions of the Military Technical Agreement signed in Kumanovo on 9 June 1999, entrusting KFOR with control over the Yugoslav border with the Republic of Macedonia and Albania.”

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source

16. “Therefore, the Bulgarian Government renders strong moral and political support to the efforts of the Macedonian authorities to use political and diplomatic means and refrain from seeking a military solution. My Government maintains permanent contacts with the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. We have already expressed our readiness to provide any assistance on a bilateral and multilateral basis, including military and technical, that the Macedonian authorities may deem necessary for the management of the existing crisis. Tomorrow, Prime Minister Ivan Kostov will pay an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia. Bulgaria considers that the active involvement of the international community is vital for reducing the existing tension. It is still possible to prevent the spillover of the conflict to other parts of the border area.”

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source

17. “Therefore, we strongly reject any attempts to question a border recognized by international law. We consider that the recent events affect the security of the Republic of Macedonia and may generate a new source of destabilization in this part of the region. Serious concerns exist that the undermining of the borderline in the area serves the interests of certain organized crime elements that finance the extremist circles on both sides of the border. Only a total isolation of the extremists can put an end to their illegal activities. The stability of the Republic of Macedonia is of key importance for the national interests of Bulgaria and the other countries in the region.”

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source

18. “The Bulgarian Government considers that the activities of the armed Albanian extremists in the area of the village of Tanusevci amount to opening up a new front in the war over Kosovo, and believes that they impede the efforts of the international community to find a lasting, peaceful solution to the problem on the basis of the provisions of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). These attacks do not stem from an inter- ethnic conflict in the Republic of Macedonia, but represent attempts to initiate such a conflict in that country. The attacks came at a time when, after a 10-year effort, the Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had concluded an agreement on the delimitation of their common border. The Bulgarian Government welcomed this agreement as an additional factor for regional stability.”

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source

19. “However, as a neighbouring country we asked for the floor to reiterate our strong concern with regard to the recent acts of violence in the northern part of Macedonia, along its border with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Bulgarian Government has already adopted two declarations strongly condemning the activities of terrorist groups that violate the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Macedonia. The latest tragic incidents led to the death of three Macedonian soldiers.”

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source

20. “I feel privileged to congratulate you, Mr. President - our former colleague and friend - on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. I wish you and your colleagues every success in the fulfilment of your important tasks. My delegation welcomes the valuable participation of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Srgjan Kerim, in the present debate. The action plan he introduced today merits careful consideration. We believe that its realization would create conditions for a reduction of the tension in that part of the region and for the strict implementation of resolution 1244 (1999), as the only basis for lasting solution to the existing problems. Bulgaria has associated itself with the statement just made by the Permanent Representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union.”

    2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source

21. “Improved international cooperation and the coordination of national policies are indispensable for the attainment of this goal. In concluding, Sir, let me assure you of my Government's willingness to continue its cooperation with the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies on the monitoring of sanctions against UNITA. We are determined to render all necessary assistance for the implementation of resolution 1336 (2001) of 23 January and to contribute further to the complete fulfilment ofthe Mechanism's mandate.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

22. “My delegation strongly believes in the need for the establishment of internationally recognized norms and standards in the field of arms transfers. However, this appears to be a challenging goal for the international community. There is a lot to be done to overcome the concerns and reservations of some countries, despite the considerable progress made in recent years in increasing the awareness of Governments and the public about the vital importance of this issue to the prevention of illegal arms flows to conflict areas. We are convinced that full implementation of Security Council sanctions, including those against UNITA, can be achieved only through a synergy of actions at the national, regional and global levels.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

23. “Fifthly, a register of companies acting as intermediaries and brokers is being put in place to improve control on transnational channels of arms supplies with the aim of preventing any possibility of illegal diversions of arms from their originally established destinations. Those measures have been deemed to reinforce and complement the existing two- tier system of control over foreign arms transactions in Bulgaria, including by providing more safeguards to avert the diversion of weapons to embargoed countries. The model thus established by my country was positively assessed by the Monitoring Mechanism. We believe that there is a further need for all States to consider ways to avoid inconsistencies and gaps in national approaches and that identifying good practices could serve as an additional incentive to that end.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

24. “Thirdly, the submission of a delivery verification certificate by the importing party is now a mandatory requirement for each arms transaction to non-embargoed countries in Africa and Asia which are situated in close proximity to risky or embargo- subjected zones. Fourthly, with regard to permission to import arms and dual-use goods, a stringent verification regime is applied to ensure the proper end use of the imported equipment in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and to prevent any possibility of re-export without authorization from the exporting country. The procedure for permission to export arms requires a check-up on the origin of the equipment.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

25. “Similar governmental decrees were adopted in the year 2000 to ensure compliance with Security Council sanctions against Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. Moreover, as a rule, all Security Council resolutions involving sanctions are now enacted in Bulgaria through specific Government regulations. Secondly, a comprehensive regulatory mechanism is now being considered by the appropriate authorities to impose strict control on arms export operations in potentially risky markets. These strengthened regulations are aimed at ensuring the systematic implementation and update of all commitments flowing from existing international sanctions and restrictions.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

26. “I would like to assure Council members that, in the case of any Bulgarian national being found guilty of violating those sanctions as a result of the investigations currently undertaken by the competent authorities, he or she will be prosecuted in accordance with the established administrative or criminal law in Bulgaria. Let me briefly dwell upon the measures recently undertaken or currently being designed by my Government to address some of the recommendations made by the Panel of Experts and those contained in the final report of the Monitoring Mechanism. First, a decree providing for strict implementation of all Angola-related resolutions by the respective Bulgarian authorities, Bulgarian nationals and corporate entities was adopted by the Bulgarian Government on 11 July 2000.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

27. “In the spirit of transparency and openness, the Bulgarian Government rendered full assistance and cooperation to the Chairman and the members of the Monitoring Mechanism during their two visits to Bulgaria in September and December last year. In the course of the productive dialogue continuing throughout the Mechanism's mandate, the Bulgarian Government provided comprehensive answers to all the enquiries raised, as well as technical and other support to the Mechanism's members. As a result, relevant conclusions have been drawn and appropriate measures taken by the Bulgarian authorities for the further improvement of the implementation of the Security Council sanctions against UNITA.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

28. “It is worth mentioning that the spirit of cooperation and interaction established by the Chairman, Ambassador Juan Larrain, and the other members of the Mechanism with all the parties concerned contributed immensely to the positive and concrete results ofthe Mechanism's work. Against this background, we appreciate the overall positive assessment, contained in the Mechanism's report, of the implementation by the Bulgarian authorities of various sanctions regimes imposed by the Security Council, and in particular sanctions established against UNITA. We value the acknowledgement contained in the report that the Bulgarian export control system fully reflects and complies with the guidelines and international standards established by the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Code of Conduct ofthe European Union.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

29. “That is why it is my intention to elaborate on some specific issues of particular interest to my country. On behalf of the Bulgarian Government, I would like to welcome the final report of the Monitoring Mechanism as a further step towards ensuring effectiveness of the implementation of the Security Council sanctions against UNITA. We share the view that the Mechanism deployed all necessary efforts to produce an objective, comprehensive and well- substantiated report. We commend the all-inclusive approach taken by the authors, ranging from carefully studying the import and exportation procedures and practices in certain countries, including Bulgaria, to holding extensive discussions with Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

30. “President, to extend, through you, my warmest congratulations to Ambassador Richard Ryan, Permanent Representative of Ireland, as the newly elected Chairman of the sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 864 (1993), and to express my full confidence in his abilities to successfully guide the work and promote the further improvement of the monitoring capacities of that important body. I would also like to pay tribute to his predecessor, Ambassador Paul Heinbecker, for his valuable activities. As pointed out earlier today by the Permanent Representative of Sweden, my delegation aligned itself with the statement made by him on behalf of the European Union and other associated countries. We fully share the positions expressed in that statement on the situation in Angola.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

31. “I am pleased to express my Government's appreciation for the Council's decision to hold an open meeting on the situation in Angola in the context of the recently issued report (S/2000/1225) of the Monitoring Mechanism on Angola Sanctions. We welcome the participation of Mr. Joao Bernardo de Miranda, the Minister for External Relations of Angola, in the discussion, and we are confident that such debates can only contribute to the common efforts of the international community to increase the effectiveness of sanctions and bring reconciliation to the war-torn Angolan society. Allow me, Mr.”

    2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source

32. “The Multinational Peace Force for South-Eastern Europe, established in 1998, stands ready for deployment in conflict prevention and other peace-support operations mandated by the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The headquarters of the Force was activated in August 1999 in Bulgaria and is currently fully operational. As a troop-contributing country, Bulgaria is looking forward to working closely with all delegations on the important issue of strengthening cooperation among the Security Council, troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat for the achievement of the United Nations objectives in the field of international peace and security.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

33. “The expertise and knowledge accumulated by some of these countries in conflict prevention, crisis management, peacekeeping and peace-building might be utilized during all stages of consultations, including the formulation, implementation and termination of or significant changes in the mandates. Recognizing the primary responsibility of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security, Bulgaria is further contributing to the fulfilment of this goal by playing a key role in a number of initiatives intended to promote the crisis management and peace-building capacities of countries of south-eastern Europe.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

34. “In the same vein, greater transparency during the entire process might encourage the troop-contributing nations to fully meet their commitments. In this context, we commend the determination of Under Secretary- General Jean-Marie Guehenno to promote permanent dialogue, openness and transparency between the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and troop- contributing nations, including on so-called sensitive issues. We are confident that such an approach would allow for more realistic operational and logistical planning by the Secretariat. It is my delegation's view that the Security Council activities relating to peacekeeping can only benefit from increased and fruitful cooperation with troop-contributing countries.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

35. “Being directly linked to the fundamental question of the formulation of clear, credible and achievable mandates, the consultations must be put on a sound basis to ensure common understanding of the situation on the ground as well as the strategic goals and mandates that might be found appropriate for a particular mission. We welcome, in this regard, Security Council resolution 1327 (2000) as the first step in our common endeavours to explore new ways to enhance the existing system of consultations. The establishment of a new mechanism would enable the Security Council to have a clearer picture of the resources available for a particular mission while deciding on mandates and strength of personnel.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

36. “In this context, Bulgaria attaches particular importance to further improved cooperation among the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop-contributing countries. We welcomed the report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations and endorsed the subsequent conclusions and proposals of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations on the modalities of cooperation between the Security Council and troop-contributing countries. We believe that this cooperation should further evolve into a transparent, strengthened and more concrete dialogue which continues throughout the entire process of the consideration and formulation of mandates and, later on, during the implementation phase.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

37. “The goal set by the Bulgarian Government of having 100 police officers in United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and 50 civilian police observers in United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina - a threefold increase compared to 1999 - was successfully fulfilled by the end of the year 2000. To meet this goal and to prepare for future participation in peacekeeping operations, additional efforts have been deployed to strengthen the national military and police training capacities and increase the number of personnel available for peacekeeping purposes. In this regard, a possible future contribution of a military contingent has been considered a priority issue by my Government.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

38. “Bulgaria is strongly committed to United Nations peacekeeping, which continues to be a unique and indispensable instrument of the international community for the maintenance of international peace and security. Our firm commitment to this core activity of our Organization was further acknowledged last year by the decision of my Government to voluntarily increase its financial contribution to the peacekeeping budget under the scale of assessments recently adopted by the General Assembly. We took this important step recognizing the crucial contribution that enhanced financial resources can make to the credibility and effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping. In addition, Bulgaria has substantively increased its physical presence in some of the hot spots on the ground.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

39. “We appreciate the way in which today's consultations are being conducted, giving an opportunity to speak first to several non-members of the Security Council. In our view, this innovation has proven itself rewarding in the evaluation process, and it enriches the deliberations in the Council. Bulgaria associated itself with the statement made this morning by the Permanent Representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. My delegation fully subscribes to the positions and proposals he put forward on the improvement of cooperation among the Security Council, troop- contributing countries and the Secretariat. Therefore, I will confine my statement to some observations and comments based mainly on the experience and long- standing participation of my country in United Nations peacekeeping.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

40. “I am pleased to congratulate you, Mr. President, for the remarkable way in which you are performing your duties as President of the Security Council for the month of January at the beginning of the mandate of your country, Singapore, on the Security Council. May I express my confidence that the Council can only benefit from your vast knowledge and experience. The present open debate on the issue of strengthening cooperation among the Security Council, troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat deserves our full attention and further consideration in the context of the fruitful and constructive debates recently conducted in the Security Council and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. We are grateful for the timely and useful background paper submitted by Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani.”

    2001-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4257Resumption1 (2001) · source

41. “In this regard, the Stability Pact plays an important and constructive role. We, as a country that has suffered huge economic losses, amounting to $6.2 billion, from the recent conflicts in the Balkans, are extremely interested in its prompt implementation. The Stability Pact, in our view, should not turn into another bureaucratic structure; it must be a political driving force in the reconstruction of the whole region. We are expecting a pragmatic approach, practical results and the implementation of concrete Stability Pact projects. In conclusion, let me assure the Council that the lasting commitment of the international community to the Balkans gives us a reason to be optimistic about the future sustainable development of our region.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

42. “Our position of principle is that a lasting settlement of the unsolved problems on the territory of the former Yugoslavia, and especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, cannot be achieved on the basis of the impunity of the organizers and implementers of the policy of ethnic cleansing and of other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Therefore, the support of Bulgaria for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is unconditional. My country renders active assistance to the Tribunal and shares the view that its work should become more effective and speedy. Last but not least, the Stability Pact for South- Eastern Europe proves that the joint efforts of the international community in tackling the challenges in the region can succeed only if they are based on a comprehensive approach.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

43. “Bulgaria is alarmed by the deterioration of the political situation in Serbia, caused by the escalation of the repressive measures of the regime against the opposition, independent mass media, civil organizations and academic institutions. We call on the authorities in Serbia to stop these negative trends and developments. Democratization requires the effective integration of the different ethnic groups into the political process in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We believe that this is closely related to preserving the unity and territorial integrity of that country.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

44. “We support the policy of reforms in Montenegro carried out by President Djukanovic. His Government is making a sustained effort to establish civil society institutions and a market economy. In foreign policy terms, Montenegro is aiming at opening and incorporating the Republic into the ongoing processes of cooperation and integration in the region and in Europe, which must be appreciated. The recent municipal elections held in the capital Podgorica and in Herceg-Novi are of crucial importance for enhancing the positive processes in Montenegro and thus will contribute to the enlargement of the democratic space in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

45. “Peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina are closely related to the security of south-eastern Europe and the prospects for its integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Holding pluralistic elections is a key element of the successful functioning of democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Local elections held on 8 April this year proved that the democratic parties have the potential to win the trust of society. There is a danger, however, that the economic challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing could undermine the achievements that have been made so far. The international community should not give up its commitment to a region where peace is so fragile. Lasting solutions to the problems can be achieved on the basis of democratization in the whole region.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

46. “The success of the peace process depends also on the economic reconstruction and development of Kosovo and on establishing effective mechanisms, including those for restricting the black market economy. Bulgaria has repeatedly declared its readiness to participate actively in the process of economic reconstruction and has proposed different ways to ensure the greater involvement of the private sector. We consider that such an approach to the problem by the international community would definitely confirm that the countries of the region are part of the solution for Kosovo. Regarding another key issue in the western Balkans, Bulgaria is fully committed to the completion of the peace process and the strengthening of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent, sovereign and democratic State.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

47. “In this context, we express our regret regarding the decision ofthe Kosovo Serbs to end their participation in the joint administrative structures. Bulgaria commends UNMIK's determination to pursue its preparations for local elections in Kosovo, to be held in the fall. These elections would give legitimacy to the political actors and create conditions for the participation of the population in the political process and Government of Kosovo. However, the participation of all refugees and displaced persons, irrespective of their ethnic origins, is of critical significance to the success of the elections. Otherwise, the elections will be instrumental in legalizing ethnic cleansing in the region.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

48. “In order to facilitate the reconciliation process, the Bulgarian Government has established active contacts with the leaders of the two main ethnic communities in Kosovo. It is of particular importance that the international community adhere strictly to the objectives of a unified, multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo. Since there are no civil structures in Kosovo, the delay of reforms could lead to the establishment of undemocratic institutions. It is crucial that the population become politically mature, which will make possible the establishment of a civil society free of criminal structures. The acceleration of the political process in Kosovo has key importance for the success of the international community's efforts to create conditions for lasting peace in the region.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

49. “Some of the obstacles which hinder the establishment of peace are the ongoing violence, the unresolved issues of the missing and detained, the return of refugees and economic and social insecurity. We are particularly concerned by the incidence of attacks on the peacekeeping forces. Public opinion in my country is sensitive to the issue, since Bulgaria has representatives in the Kosovo Force, the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We appeal to the leaders of all communities in Kosovo to take decisive action towards putting an immediate end to all violence. Bulgaria also urges the leaders of Kosovo to encourage cooperation and tolerance in the spirit of the declarations they have adopted.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source

50. “Another initiative demonstrating the active Bulgarian foreign policy in the region is the Joint Declaration of the Presidents of Macedonia and Bulgaria on the situation in the Balkans, which was adopted in May this year. We consider these efforts to be part of the international community's quest for stability in south-eastern Europe. Recent events in Kosovo have proven once again that the establishment of peace in a society torn by prolonged ethnic conflict is an enormously complex and time consuming process. To date, some progress has been achieved in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), but very little has yet to be accomplished regarding peaceful inter-ethnic coexistence in Kosovo.”

    2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source