YouSaid · the spoken record

Sotirov

lines on the record: 87
first: 1999-02-25
most recent: 2001-08-02
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“The most important and ongoing one is perhaps the regular convening of informal meetings of the Prime Ministers of the countries bordering the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to deal with the problems in South-eastern Europe. The first meeting of this kind, initiated by my Government, was organized in the Bulgarian town of Hissar on 21-22 January 2000. It contributed to the more active involvement of the countries neighbouring the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the decision- making process on the future of the region and in tackling the core issues of security and stability. The second meeting was held in March this year in Budapest and the third is scheduled for this weekend in Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Bulgaria has already aligned itself with the statement ofthe European Union on the situation in the western Balkans Therefore, I would like to make only some additional comments and express our position on issues of specific concern to Bulgaria as a country bordering that turbulent region. Bulgaria is deeply committed to normalization of the situation in the western Balkans and in the improvement of good neighbourliness and cooperation. The four wars waged in the western Balkans during the last decade had a very negative impact on the whole region. Therefore, the Bulgarian Government launched several regional initiatives in order to find durable solutions to the persisting problems.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Since my delegation is addressing the Security Council for the first time this month, may I start by congratulating you, Mr. President, for the intensive programme of work of the Council for the month of June and by expressing my gratitude for organizing this important open debate on the situation in the Balkans. My thanks go also to Mr. Carl Bildt, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Balkans, for his comprehensive briefing on this issue. We would like to express our deep appreciation for the valuable contribution to today's debate by Mr. Javier Solana, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“President, of my Government's willingness to continue its cooperation with the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies on monitoring sanctions against UNITA and to contribute to the collective efforts of the international community for preventing illicit arms trafficking, including through measures at national, subregional and regional levels.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“However, the tasks we are facing not only in Angola but in Africa as a whole are obviously of broader magnitude. Alleged violations of UNITA sanctions have once again brought up the challenging issue of illicit arms brokering. In view of its complexity and global nature, this challenge cannot be addressed by a single country but should be tackled comprehensively through the concerted efforts of the entire international community. In this respect the present resolution will contribute to strengthening national and international control over conventional and small arms and their proliferation to Angola/UNITA and other African States. We are looking forward to the major input of the United Nations conference on illicit trade in small arms and light weapons to be held in 2001. In concluding, let me assure you, Mr.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Furthermore, the established procedure should be strictly observed so as not to allow any irresponsible and untimely "leakage" to the media. The composition and activities of the future monitoring body should also reflect the principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity, which we deem to be essential for the final outcome of its work. It is our view that none of the countries referred to in the report should be represented in the new body. Given the serious reservations shared by various delegations, we even doubt whether it would be appropriate for experts who participated in the former Panel to be included into the new one. We fully share and support the provisions of the draft resolution on measures to be taken at the national, regional and international levels in order to curb illicit arms supplies to UNITA.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Needless to say, we shall provide it with all relevant information available to us in order to facilitate its work and further clarify the facts related to the conclusions and recommendations of the former Panel's report. Bulgaria is confident that such a transparent and responsible approach will be duly appreciated and will help consolidate its reputation as a reliable member of the United Nations community. At the same time we very much hope that a number of lessons learned from the former Panel's report will be taken into account in the activities of the new monitoring mechanism. We expect it to work by combining transparency with confidentiality and using only trustworthy and verified information from reliable sources. We also expect it to pursue its mandate in close cooperation and consultation with the Governments concerned.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Despite its reservations and rejection of the unsubstantiated accusations against Bulgaria, my Government has given serious consideration to the Panel's report. A governmental commission was promptly established to investigate all circumstances related to possible involvement of Bulgarian institutions and individuals in activities that might constitute violations of Security Council sanctions against UNITA. A number of preliminary results of its ongoing investigation have been made available and duly communicated to the Council members with a view to facilitating their work. Having already cooperated in good faith with the Panel of Experts, Bulgaria is now ready to offer its full cooperation and support to the future monitoring mechanism.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We are not satisfied by the explanation given to our written request submitted in this respect that the Panel's report is "a self-contained document". Such an argument simply does not and cannot suffice, especially when a country's good name is, without foundation, unfairly damaged. We believe that only an impartial and balanced approach could contribute to putting an end to the violations of United Nations sanctions, not against UNITA only but in a global context as well. It seems that such an approach has gradually evolved as a result of the recent deliberations in the Security Council and on the application of the sanctions against UNIT A. The established six-month period will allow for additional analysis and monitoring of the implementation of the sanctions and, hopefully, for more precise conclusions.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“My Government on several occasions had the opportunity to express its comments and observations, particularly on the parts of the Panel's report pertaining to Bulgaria. It is worth mentioning that serious doubts were raised not only by Bulgaria but by a number of delegations, including Security Council members, about the working methods and credibility of sources used by the Panel, as well as its objectivity and ability to substantiate its findings by concrete evidence. Now I would like to offer some additional comments to the views already put forward on this matter. We are of the opinion that when there are grounds to suppose that a Member State could be involved in sanctions violation, all relevant evidence should be made available to the that Government for consideration and reply.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Therefore, I will confine my intervention today to some issues of particular importance to my country. Let me reiterate that Bulgaria entirely shares the noble motives and goals that inspired the Council's decision to entrust qualitatively new tasks to the Panel of Experts created by resolution 1237 (1999). The Panel succeeded in increasing the awareness of United Nations Member States about the urgent need to curb illegal arms transfers and other support to UNITA. In fact, today's session demonstrates that following the Panel's report the international community is stronger and more united in its will to achieve compliance with the sanctions and to hold violators accountable.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“President, to congratulate Ambassador Robert Fowler, Chairman of the sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 864 (1993) concerning the situation in Angola, for his ability to guide the Council towards final agreement on what appeared to be a complex and multifaceted text by accommodating a large number of views and proposals. Bulgaria very much hopes that this balanced and realistic document will be diligently implemented and will serve as an efficient tool for improving the implementation of sanctions and curtailing violations of relevant Security Council resolutions. My delegation aligned itself with the statement made by the representative of Portugal on behalf of the European Union, and fully subscribes to the positions expressed therein on the situation in Angola.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“May I say how pleased we are to see you, Sir, presiding over this important meeting of the Security Council. We would also like to welcome the participation of the Minister for External Relations of Angola in this debate. On behalf of the Bulgarian Government, I would like to welcome the forthcoming adoption of the Security Council's draft resolution on Angola. We believe that this draft resolution will further strengthen the effectiveness of the sanctions regime against UNITA and will contribute to putting an end to the bloody civil war in Angola. We are confident that the role of the Security Council is instrumental in bringing peace and reconciliation to that country, as well as more stability to the whole African continent. Allow me also, through you, Mr.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“With regard to a solution of those problems, the Security Council is invited also to consider appropriate ways and means for increasing the effectiveness of its methods and procedures applied in the consideration of requests by the affected States for assistance. We are confident that the reassessment and review of Security Council working methods with regard to the proper implementation of Article 50 of the Charter will contribute to the effectiveness of sanctions regimes. We hope that our suggestions will be duly taken into consideration in the future activities and recommendations of the informal working group established by the Security Council on improving the effectiveness of United Nations sanctions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“In our view, that marks significant progress in identifying key aspects of the problem and in promoting activities in that field. As has rightly been pointed out, the international financial institutions and other international organizations, including regional organizations, also have a vital role to play with respect to addressing the special economic problems of third States affected by sanctions. In conclusion, I would like recall the General Assembly's invitation to the Security Council, renewed in Assembly resolution 54/107, to consider the establishment of further mechanisms for consultations, under Article 50 of the Charter, with third States which are or may be confronted with special economic problems arising from the application of sanctions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Therefore, we have repeatedly supported the opinion that the application of certain measures adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter should be accompanied by concerted efforts to prevent possible adverse implications for third States and by the adoption of specific mechanisms to assist those States promptly and effectively. It is important in this regard to ensure the participation of the concerned third States in preliminary impact assessments prior to the imposition of sanctions. The special importance that Bulgaria attaches to these issues arises from their direct link to the question of the proper implementation of Article 50 of the Charter. A number of resolutions have already been adopted by the General Assembly relating to assistance to third States affected by the application of sanctions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“It is worth recalling in this context the note by the President of the Security Council dated 29 January 1999 on the work of the sanctions committees (S/1999/92), which includes valuable suggestions for appropriate improvements in the assessment of the economic impact of sanctions on third States, including through facilitating access by those States to the work of the relevant subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. A case in point is the enormous economic damage suffered by Bulgaria and other third countries as a result of the sanctions imposed on Iraq, on the former Yugoslavia, on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, et cetera. The direct losses incurred by Bulgaria amount to more than $10 billion.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The Government of Bulgaria believes that in every case the Security Council should apply criteria of proportionality when defining the scope of the sanctions, which has to be compatible with their objectives. The introduction of measures under Chapter VII of the Charter should be considered in a comprehensive manner, including the elaboration and implementation of additional tools for a better assessment of economic and humanitarian impact on non-targeted third States affected by the application of sanctions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Sanctions must have clearly defined objectives and goals. Destructive collateral effects on the people of the target State could be minimized by focusing the sanctions on the leaders of the ruling regime of this State. Furthermore, since the Security Council is the principal organ of the United Nations with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, it should evaluate the dimensions of a humanitarian crisis and possible related implications for vulnerable groups in target States before imposing preventive or enforcement measures under Chapter VII. This is closely related to the question of introducing flexibility into sanctions regimes.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“We consider the present discussion on enhancing the effectiveness of sanctions regimes to be a substantial part of that process. Ever since the entry into force of the United Nations Charter, few issues have been of greater relevance and importance for the Security Council than the question of making sanctions appropriate tools for achieving sustainable peace and stability. That is why Bulgaria favors the current efforts of the Security Council to establish monitoring mechanisms and improve the administration of sanctions. We support the Council's decision to establish an informal working group to consider recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of United Nations sanctions. We believe that this is a shortcut to the realization of the concept of smart sanctions, including targeted sanctions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“I would like to commend His Excellency Mr. Lloyd Axworthy, Foreign Minister of Canada, for having presided over the first part of today's open meeting of the Security Council in such an efficient manner. My appreciation goes also to you, Ambassador Fowler, and to your colleagues for your active role in initiating this open debate on the general issues related to sanctions. Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Portugal on behalf of the European Union. I will therefore confine myself to a number of remarks of particular importance to my delegation. The issue of the maintenance of international peace and security is closely related to ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of the United Nations and to reform the Security Council.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Finally, I would like to assure the Council that the Bulgarian Government will seriously consider the report and is ready to cooperate further with the Security Council Committee on sanctions against UNITA.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Not only is Bulgaria active in the improvement of its national legislation, but it is sparing no effort to enhance international and regional cooperation in this area. A regional conference on export controls was held in December 1999 in Sofia, at the initiative of the Bulgarian Government, under the auspices of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe. The Conference adopted two important political documents: a joint declaration on responsible arms transfers and a statement on harmonization of end-user certificates. The 12 participating countries agreed on a number of concrete measures to combat illicit arms trafficking in the region, thus contributing to the fulfilment of the common goal of the international community in this field.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Each foreign transaction in arms and dual-use goods and technologies is considered and approved on an individual basis, after a meticulous review of the required documents. This legally binding procedure is strictly observed. The established regulations for export control licensing are being consistently improved, with the aim of achieving the standards of the European Union in this regard. A legislative amendment is currently being put on the high-priority agenda of the Government and Parliament for the first half of this year. The amendment is intended to introduce more developed mechanisms for the control and implementation of international restrictions imposed on the arms trade with regard to specific countries and regions.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Thirdly, the training of Zairian military officers in Bulgaria took place on the basis of a bilateral agreement between the two Ministries of Defence in 1996, when no restrictions applied to military cooperation of this type. Having said this, on behalf of the Bulgarian Government, I categorically reject as absolutely unfounded and unacceptable any accusations raised or presumed in the report of the Expert Panel of possible violations by my country of the Security Council sanctions against UNITA. As we have repeatedly declared in recent years, Bulgaria has been applying the most stringent controls to its foreign arms trade, based on a specific law adopted by Parliament in 1996.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The equipment mentioned in that paragraph can still be found and verified in the storage premises of the Ministry of Defence of Bulgaria. The approach followed by the Panel in this case raises serious doubts about the credibility of the information sources used in the preparation of the report. Secondly, no legal obstacles were seen to the arms supply to Togo cited in paragraph 42 of the report, since the country was not subject to an arms embargo, either by the Security Council or by the European Union. Furthermore, the transaction was approved on the basis of genuine end-user certificates submitted by the Ministry of Defence of Togo.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Such an approach is totally unacceptable and is harmful to the effective monitoring of the implementation of the Security Council resolutions. It can only discourage the willingness, and increase the cautiousness, of those Governments with regard to the activities of the expert bodies. These bodies should pursue their mandates with objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity, and they should base their findings and recommendations on sound legal evidence. Let me at this stage briefly comment on some of the major allegations raised in the report that involve Bulgaria. First, the assumption that the arms transaction referred to in paragraph 38 of the report was carried out is groundless. The deal was cancelled when the end-user certificate believed to be provided by the Ministry of Defence of Zambia was proved false.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“All information thus presented to the Panel attests to the fact that the Bulgarian authorities have acted in strict compliance with domestic legislation and with the Security Council resolutions on Angola. That is why we would like to share with the Council our great concern in respect to the following. It is our full conviction that the States that extend their full support and assistance to control and monitoring bodies should not be punished by the distortion and misinterpretation of the information they submit to the experts, whatever the reasons for such handling of the facts. One might even get the impression, on the other hand, that the countries that did not provide substantive information in a timely manner are on the safe side, since they are not being extensively referred to in the report.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Bulgaria has demonstrated its willingness to fully cooperate with and assist the sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts established to investigate violations of sanctions against UNITA. During the visit of the Expert Panel - led by its Chairman, Mr. Anders Mollander - to Bulgaria from 19 to 21 January 2000, a number of meetings were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and the Interdepartmental Council at the Council of Ministers. The latter is the only authorized licensing body in Bulgaria in the area of arms trade. Comprehensive and substantial written information was provided, including a response to the additional inquiries, which was submitted to the Panel on 11 February last.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“However, it is absolutely clear at this point that, despite some speculation in the mass media, the report does not, and could not, contain even a single piece of concrete evidence linking Bulgaria as a State or its State policy with any violation of Security Council resolution 864 (1993) or of the internationally recognized standards and norms of arms control regimes. The report itself states in paragraph 15 that "arms procurement by UNITA was not by means of direct contact between UNITA and arms producing countries." (S/2000/203). The Bulgarian Government has extended its full support to the Security Council resolutions on Angola, and our political position with regard to UNITA and the situation in Angola has been categorically confirmed by our adherence to the declarations and decisions made by the European Union on this issue.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Secondly, to assist the Chairman of the relevant body in fulfilling this responsibility, the document should be given to the interested States mentioned in it in the original language in which it was produced at the same time or before it is given to the Secretariat for translation and general distribution. After these procedural remarks, I would like to bring to the Council's attention that the report of the Panel of Experts was duly forwarded to the respective Bulgarian authorities for further consideration, examination and analysis.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Allow me at the outset to express my Government's frustration with the violation of the established procedure requiring all countries concerned to be acquainted first with the report, before it is given to the mass media. We hope that the way in which this document was issued will not set a precedent in the activities of the Council. In order to avoid similar unacceptable situations in the future, my delegation would like to put forward for consideration two concrete proposals. First, the Chairman of the relevant body should not only bear the primary responsibility for the content of the report, but he or she should be responsible for any unauthorized leakage.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Ambassador Robert Fowler for the informative presentation he made this morning with regard to the outcome of the activities of the Panel of Experts on violations of Security Council sanctions against UNITA. Since the report of the Panel, contained in document S/2000/203 of 10 March 2000, distributed yesterday, has references to my country, I feel obliged to take the floor and to share with the members of the Security Council my preliminary observations on it. At the same time, I would like to reserve the right of my delegation to respond more comprehensively to the accusations raised against my country at a later stage.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Bulgaria strongly believes that the extension of the mandate of UNPREDEP is in the interest of peace and security in the area and that the present situation on the ground makes the withdrawal of the Force very untimely and inappropriate.”
1999-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3982 (1999) · source
“It is therefore of utmost importance to preserve and, where necessary, to enlarge the mandates of those existing peacekeeping operations that have proved to be successful. Hence, it is regrettable that the Council was unable to adopt today a decision on the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) for another period of six months. Bulgaria is deeply concerned at the real possibility of a further escalation of the conflict in Kosovo if the current peace process fails to provide for a lasting solution. Such a situation requires that available means should be effectively used. One of them is UNPREDEP, which continues to be a stabilizing factor of prevention and deterrence.”
1999-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3982 (1999) · source
“An example of these efforts is the signing of the Bulgarian-Macedonian joint declaration three days ago by the Prime Ministers of the two countries. It settled the controversial issues and opened new prospects for mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation. It also made a valuable contribution to the stability and security of the region and set an example of how difficult problems can be overcome in a spirit of understanding and in the interests of the countries involved. The peacekeeping activities of the United Nations are at a crucial juncture. The failure of some peacekeeping operations has tarnished the image of the Organization and has undermined its credibility in fulfilling one of the main purposes laid down in the Charter: the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1999-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3982 (1999) · source
“As the Bulgarian delegation is taking the floor for the first time this month, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your competent and skilful guidance of the activities of the Security Council. Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Germany on behalf of the European Union and fully shares the views contained therein. I shall therefore confine myself to some specific aspects of the issue under consideration. Those are related to the commitment and the efforts of Bulgaria as a neighbouring country in the search for long-term solutions to the conflicts and to the open issues in the western part of the region. Our policy is aimed at achieving concrete results in strengthening the regional peace and security in South- Eastern Europe.”
1999-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3982 (1999) · source