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Tafrov

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681

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2002-01-18

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2015-03-27

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114

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un-security-council

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1. “We hope to see a continuation of the modest signs of resumed dialogue that have been observed in recent days in the context of ministerial contacts between Israelis and Palestinians. Bulgaria will continue to strive, within the Council and bilaterally, to bring about an end to the violence in the Middle East.”

   2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source

2. “In conclusion, I should like to reaffirm Bulgaria's position, which has been expressed on a number of occasions and which is reflected in resolution 1397 (2002), which my country not only supported but also helped to formulate, since Bulgaria is a Council member. Only when Palestinians and Israelis believe in the possibility of living side by side, within secure and recognized borders, will the Middle East peace process truly be able to extricate itself from this cycle of unacceptable violence. It is very important that the parties to the conflict not be seduced by the temptation to retaliate to acts of violence. In the current situation, we fear that may happen.”

   2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source

3. “Bulgaria unreservedly supports the ministerial statement made by the "quartet" when it met in New York on 16 July. It is fully in line with resolutions adopted by the Council, which laid out the path towards a solution to the Middle East conflict. Only by implementing the Council's resolutions will a just and lasting solution to the Middle East conflict be found. One important element of the international community's recent endeavours has been the attention rightly paid to efforts to give greater legitimacy and representativity to the Palestinian Authority. Only democracy can resolve the Palestinians' problems, and we fully support the efforts being undertaken in that regard.”

   2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source

4. “Bulgaria fully recognizes Israel's right to prevent terrorist attacks on its territory and on its citizens. However, the latest attack, carried out with such force, was unacceptable and counterproductive. We deeply deplore the loss of human life that it caused. Much has been said about the unacceptable character of terrorism, including terrorism in the Middle East. I need add nothing to that. There is an urgent need to put an end to the situation that feeds such terrorism. I am thinking primarily of the very grave humanitarian situation affecting the Palestinian population. It is very important that that situation be improved so as to isolate within Palestinian society the terrorists and those who glorify them. The international community has found ways and means to act together in favour of peace in the Middle East.”

   2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source

5. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement that will be made shortly by the representative of Denmark on behalf of the European Union. The cycle of violence in the Middle East continues without respite. Last week, two terrorist attacks caused civilian deaths. On 23 July, an Israeli missile hit a building in a densely populated area of Gaza City. Civilians, including children, died. The sight of children's corpses, torn apart, is intolerable. Bulgaria rises forcefully in opposition to the loss of innocent civilian lives, in particular those of children. We make a solemn appeal to both parties to respect the lives of the most vulnerable - namely, children.”

   2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source

6. “We are establishing significant cooperation in that area, and a delegation of Bulgarian experts is currently in Kabul to study plans in that regard.”

   2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source

7. “It also shows that the international community must remain engaged to lend assistance to that process. We would once again like to draw the Council's attention to the importance of combating drug production. My country is on the trafficking route for drugs, which are coming mostly from Afghanistan. We have seen some initial success in this area, at which we are pleased. In conclusion, I would like to recall that Bulgaria has decided to extend the mandate of its contingent in the International Security Assistance Force for six months beginning on 20 June. Two months ago, Bulgaria re-established a permanent diplomatic presence in Kabul. Bulgaria is also making bilateral efforts to provide further assistance to our Afghan friends, particularly in the area of energy.”

   2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source

8. “Bulgaria is participating in this international effort, and I should like to inform the Council that yesterday the Bulgarian Government took a decision to that effect, namely to provide military equipment to the re- emerging Afghan army. My country will continue its assistance in future. Let me note in passing that we support the approach taken by the United Nations to the Afghan security forces, that is, that they should be representative, multi-ethnic, balanced, and that these criteria should apply also to the major institutions of Afghanistan. Bulgaria unreservedly condemns the terrorist act that led to the death of Vice-President Haji Abdul Qadir. This assassination illustrates just how fragile the political process in Afghanistan is.”

   2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source

9. “The role of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in ensuring security in Kabul can hardly be overemphasized. We wish to pay tribute to the United Kingdom's orderly handover to Turkey as lead country. We believe that General Zorlu's order to establish control over the region to the north of Kabul is positive and will contribute to enhancing security in the capital of Afghanistan and in particular the security of the international airport. As Ambassador Brahimi has said, now is the time for building Afghan institutions. This is very important work. The international community should assist in the creation of a genuine national army and a genuine national police - security forces worthy of the name.”

   2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source

10. “As I said earlier, the key event in Afghanistan that made us optimistic about the future of that long- suffering country was the success of the Loya Jirga, a traditional Afghan structure and an expression of the will of the Afghan people to live in peace and harmony. The impressive success of the Loya Jirga, despite various attempts at intimidation and even direct attacks on the political process, must be commended. There was, indeed, a genuine political debate among the Afghans themselves during the Loya Jirga. The election of Hamid Karzai to head the Transitional Administration was a very positive development. President Karzai is certainly the right person for the job in Afghanistan at this time, and we wish him every success in his work of reconstructing the country.”

    2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source

11. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Bulgaria would like to join you, Mr. President, in thanking Ambassador Brahimi and his team for the excellent work they are doing in Afghanistan on behalf of the United Nations and the international community. The Loya Jirga was a great success and attests to the resolve of the Afghan people to take control of their country once again. That success was due also to Ambassador Brahimi's ability and skills, and we would like warmly to thank him. Bulgaria, a country associated with the European Union, fully aligns itself with the statement that will be made shortly by the Ambassador of Denmark on behalf of the European Union. Allow me to make a few observations in my national capacity.”

    2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source

12. “On that note, I would like to conclude by saying that the lessons of Sierra Leone may not be of universal application, but they are relevant to a large number of crises, in particular in Africa, where natural resources are among the causes of the misfortune of the people afflicted by the situation.”

    2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577 (2002) · source

13. “I am especially thinking, of course, of the Great Lakes region, which, I believe, should particularly benefit from this debate, given that we are far from stabilizing the situation in that region of Africa. The role of sanctions is an aspect that we will never be able to discuss enough. Ambassador Aguilar Zinser has spoken about this, and I agree with him. Sanctions will work in the case of Sierra Leone. That is true because, while in other situations the lifeblood of war is money, in this case the lifeblood of war is diamonds. When we speak of diamonds we are speaking of interests that go well beyond the subregion.”

    2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577 (2002) · source

14. “The fear of humanitarian workers of seeing their room for manoeuvre and independence somewhat limited by politicians and the military is, I believe, offset by their ability to have a genuine impact on the political and military decision-making process. I think that this is extremely valuable. Much has already been said about the clarity of the mandate and the fact that the investment was thoughtfully made commensurate with the risks of the Mission. With respect to other conflicts in Africa, we must also bear in mind another dimension: the scale of Sierra Leone and of Liberia, which are relatively small countries, which makes it possible perhaps to take the same approach in these situations. But the resources required in other situations are clearly greater.”

    2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577 (2002) · source

15. “That harmony and unity of approach was reflected in the mandate that was given UNAMSIL once the shortcomings of the mandate and the weakness of the United Nations presence in Sierra Leone had been identified. J ean-Marie Guehenno spoke of this eloquently. I fully concur with his appraisal. One thing is certain: while we cannot make the integrated mission of the United Nations a rigid principle in conflicts all over the world, it is important to understand that that integrated approach can very often ensure greater effectiveness, particularly in the humanitarian sphere. I was glad to hear this impression confirmed by Ms. McAskie. This has been the case for Sierra Leone. It is the case for Afghanistan. It is increasingly the case elsewhere.”

    2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577 (2002) · source

16. “One of the most important lessons of the success of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) is undoubtedly the fact that it was made possible by the resolute action of a country having historical links with the region. I am speaking of your country, Madam President, the United Kingdom. Bulgaria pays tribute to the role played by the United Kingdom in the resolution of the Sierra Leone tragedy, a resolution which would not have been possible without the resolve and engagement of the United Kingdom. Of course, the other Members of the United Nations, and of the Security Council in particular, made possible a remarkable harmony of approach to this crisis, which was so difficult in humanitarian terms.”

    2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577 (2002) · source

17. “Bulgaria welcomes this approach to various conflicts, particularly in Africa but also elsewhere: the regional approach. We are discussing today not only the crises in Sierra Leone and Liberia, but also the situation in the Mano river region as a whole. This approach is extremely sound, and we commend it. I must state that the situations in those countries are very intimately interconnected, almost like communicating vessels. The Council is right to address them simultaneously. Before I make some further brief remarks, I would like to say that Bulgaria fully associates itself with the statement that will be made this afternoon by Denmark on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria, as members know, is an associated country of the European Union.”

    2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577 (2002) · source

18. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I should like to thank the Secretary-General for his presence at the beginning of our discussion this morning. My thanks go also to Under-Secretary- General Jean-Marie Guehenno, and to Ms. Carolyn McAskie, Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their very complete and useful briefings. It is also a pleasure to see around the table the Foreign Ministers of Sierra Leone and of Guinea. I welcome in particular the presence of Francois Fall in his new capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea. The very choice of the format for this discussion on the part of the British presidency of the Council, I think, attests to an approach that is becoming more and more necessary.”

    2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577 (2002) · source

19. “Here I wish to thank the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Food Programme in particular, as well as a large number of other international humanitarian organizations that are doing remarkable work in Angola. First, regarding infrastructure, which remains greatly damaged by years of war, I wonder whether Mr. Oshima could say something about projects that are important for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, in which the Angolan Government could be encouraged to assist in order to make speedy progress. I wonder whether the United Nations is working with the Angolan Government to help it better manage its relationships with international humanitarian organizations, particularly with regard to customs clearance for humanitarian deliveries and simplifying visa requirements.”

    2002-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4575 (2002) · source

20. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): First I would like to thank Mr. Oshima for his extremely useful briefing, which is consonant with Bulgaria's conclusions about the humanitarian situation in Angola, which remains disturbing in spite of progress in the political process, which gives cause for optimism. I do not want to repeat the comments made by others, but I would like to stress the importance of the problem of demining in Angola, which seems to us essential before tackling the other problems. In his briefing, Mr. Oshima mentioned certain steps the Angolan Government, which is doing its best to respond to the needs of the population, has taken to facilitate the work of the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies.”

    2002-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4575 (2002) · source

21. “Accordingly, the search for compromise should not be linked with the weakening of important international treaties such as the Rome Statute. We are convinced that there is a possible solution to the current situation, and that that solution can be found through compromise and flexibility on all sides. Bulgaria will strive to arrive at a formulation that will accommodate the interests of all the parties concerned in this discussion. We stand ready to discuss each and every proposal that provides a reasonable response to the current problem. United under the Charter of the United Nations, we are duty-bound to find a solution that both enshrines and preserves the principles of international law, to which we all subscribe, and takes into account the legitimate interests of the various countries involved.”

    2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source

22. “Given the extremely complex situation that has arisen, my country has taken an important decision to work tirelessly for the unity of the Council, keeping in mind the very serious political consequences of this decision not only for Bosnia and Herzegovina but also for the other peacekeeping operations. We remain convinced that the members of the Council must act in a spirit of compromise and mutual understanding, and that they must actively work to find a solution that is acceptable to all. I would like to reaffirm here my country's very clear position. Peacekeeping operations are an essential instrument of the United Nations and the Security Council in the implementation of the mandates stemming from Chapter VII of the Charter.”

    2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source

23. “As the essential political body of our Organization, the Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council must remain fully engaged in Bosnia and Herzegovina until the process that we began with so much effort becomes irreversible. The very animated discussions that have taken place among members of the Security Council in the last few weeks have been prompted by the entry into force of the Rome Statute, which gave rise to misgivings among some countries - including the United States - that the Statute might concern their citizens working in United Nations peacekeeping operations on the territories of countries parties to the Statute. Those discussions have tested the Council's ability to carry out its mandate under Chapter VII of the Charter.”

    2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source

24. “In order to contribute to promoting this stability, and while recognizing the essential role played by the United Nations and the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) in that regard, as coordinator of the contact drafting group for the former Yugoslavia last month Bulgaria introduced in the Security Council a draft resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along with other countries - and this is something that relates not only to Bosnia and Herzegovina but to the whole region - our goal is to develop a clear vision for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We think that this is a responsibility of the entire international community and of the Security Council. The United Nations and the Security Council have undertaken serious commitments to assist that country to move towards democracy.”

    2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source

25. “In its capacity not only as a signatory of the Rome Statute but also as one of the first 60 countries to have ratified it, Bulgaria has worked and continues to work actively to bring about the consolidation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a court with universal jurisdiction to combat crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes, and against impunity for the most grievous crimes. We associate ourselves with all those who are working to strengthen the principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the Rome Statute. Bulgaria is the sole representative in the Security Council not only of the Eastern European regional group, but also of the Balkan countries. In that capacity, it is of vital importance to my country to preserve the still rather fragile stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source

26. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I too should like to congratulate the States of Africa on the foundation of the African Union. Bulgaria wishes the African Union every success. I should also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Canada for having taken the initiative of requesting this open debate on an issue of great timeliness. As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria fully endorses the statement made earlier on behalf of the Union by the representative of Denmark.”

    2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source

27. “We trust that the disappearance of a United Nations presence from Bosnia and Herzegovina will be temporary. As I said during our closed consultations, we appeal to all Security Council members to seek compromise. As the members of the Council are aware, during informal contacts in the past few days, my delegation proposed various formulas to get out of the situation in which we find ourselves today. However, we did not succeed. That is why my country abstained in the vote on this draft resolution. In conclusion, I wish to express once again the hope that Council unity will be restored very soon.”

    2002-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4563 (2002) · source

28. “I also wish to emphasize that, as a State party to the Rome Statute, Bulgaria strongly supports the principles and values applied therein and will work to strengthen the International Criminal Court so that it can become an effective organ for the international community to combat the most serious crimes and immunity and for justice against war criminals. At the same time, my country wished to abstain in the vote on the draft resolution, not because we do not support the principle of a United Nations presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To the contrary, we do. We wanted to draw attention to a very serious situation to which the Secretary-General referred, which is the lack of unity in the Council on this issue. That is a very serious situation.”

    2002-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4563 (2002) · source

29. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I wish to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for the statement he just made. I endorse every word of it. He was right to focus his statement on Bosnia and Herzegovina - a new, fragile State in South-Eastern Europe, which has experienced very difficult times, as we all know, and which does not deserve that. Bulgaria has frequently expressed its appreciation and support for the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a stabilizing factor not only for that country, but for the region as a whole. We take this opportunity to confirm our support and to thank the men and women who have done such excellent work.”

    2002-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4563 (2002) · source

30. “I wish to point out, among the more specific objectives, a unified format for travel documents and identity cards for citizens of the States of the region. And also on the agenda are items for training police officers and customs inspectors to combat human trafficking, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking, which very often are the very source of terrorism. My delegation will inform Members of the United Nations of the results of its activities because we firmly believe in the need for a regional approach to the fight against terrorism. From this standpoint the work of the CTC is headed in the right direction.”

    2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source

31. “It is a strong temptation for me not to conclude on such a specific point, but, as Sir Jeremy mentioned a while ago, a regional political forum of the countries of South-Eastern Europe is being held today in Sofia on the subject of the fight against terrorism. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are all taking part in that meeting. Principal among the major objectives of the forum is to establish permanent regional counter- terrorism structures. Another important objective is to develop a coordinated plan of action among the States of the region and to encourage the creation through parliaments of national structures devoted to combating terrorism and to help accelerate the adoption of counter-terrorism legislation.”

    2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source

32. “First and foremost, I wish to mention the unprecedented audit of the legislative, administrative and other capacities of States Members of the United Nations. That audit is indeed unprecedented, and it has also been very effective and thorough. Political will is generally present, but further efforts must nevertheless be made. There are still countries that have not yet submitted reports. They must do so. In particular, I wish to emphasize the importance that Bulgaria attaches to the ratification of the 12 United Nations counter-terrorism instruments. I will not hide the fact that my country is proud to be among the 14 States to have ratified all 12 conventions.”

    2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source

33. “However, I would like to underscore the fact that, in our opinion, the success achieved by the Committee and by its Chairman, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, is not due solely to its working methods, evoked by J ean-David Levitte a few moments ago, but also to a certain style, a style that is on a par with the task at hand and that is characterized by extraordinary intellectual and moral rigour, equality, benevolent discipline and full transparency leading to consensus. I must say that we have rarely seen an individual contribute so much to such a noble cause. Sir Jeremy Greenstock and his colleagues in the United Kingdom Mission are showing that diplomacy serves some purpose. I must very briefly highlight the aspects of the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee that are of the greatest interest to us.”

    2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source

34. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I shall try to be brief, as I am the next to last member of the Council to take the floor, because I agree fully with the analysis made by previous speakers and also because Bulgaria fully endorses the statement to be made shortly by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. The fact that I am the penultimate speaker among members places me in a somewhat difficult position, because the praise given to the work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC), and to its Chairman in particular, has been extremely eloquent and it is very difficult to add much more.”

    2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source

35. “In our view, the debt problem of Kosovar enterprises should be settled also by taking into account their obligations to international creditors, or debts entered into before 1999. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the position of my delegation and my country that the Security Council should continue to consider regularly the situation in Kosovo, and I would like to express my thanks, Mr. President, for this being done during this month.”

    2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source

36. “Guehenno spoke to us about the efforts of UNMIK and of the Kosovar authorities to combat organized crime and establish the rule of law. We welcome success in this sphere, particularly the priority being given to combating corruption and the trafficking of human beings. These, in our View, are the major problems in the province. The other aspect that we deem important and which Mr. Guehenno discussed in his briefing is the economy. We have to realize that the return of refugees will not be possible until the economic situation is improved. This improvement involves economic reforms and the creation of a trust agency and a trust fund, which are extremely positive developments. I would like to highlight one problem that remains and that is the debt of enterprises to be privatized.”

    2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source

37. “Steps undertaken by UNMIK and KFOR to reduce tensions in the southern part of the province, which borders on the Republic of Macedonia, should also be noted and welcomed. We believe that UNMIK and the Macedonian authorities will continue to find practical solutions to the border problems in order to improve daily life for the local population. Any attempt by local political authorities to use this issue for political purposes is totally unacceptable and counter- productive for the stability of the province and for the region as a whole. From this perspective, it is important that the international community and the Security Council find ways to convince the Kosovo political leaders that respect for resolution 1244 (1999) and the implementation of other constituent documents for Kosovo are matters of crucial importance. Mr.”

    2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source

38. “We welcome the improved cooperation between UNMIK and the Belgrade authorities. This allows us to find practical and very useful solutions to Kosovo's problems in the framework and spirit of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). I would like to take this opportunity to commend the activity of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Michael Steiner, especially his actions to foster strict implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). I think we all remember the painful incident when, with the Council's support, he had to declare null and void a decision taken by the Kosovar Assembly that was above and beyond its purview and that created some tension with the neighbouring Republic of Macedonia.”

    2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source

39. “We welcome the political developments in Kosovo, which are going in the right direction. I am thinking in particular of the appointment of Ministers of Serb origin. But now it seems to us that the time has come for the Kosovar authorities, along with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), to focus on solving the day-to-day practical problems of all the inhabitants of the province. Bulgaria hopes that the local elections will take place with respect for the timetable established by the international community. From this standpoint, we feel that the role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is crucial. Bulgaria will do its utmost, both within this framework and on a bilateral basis, so that these elections can take place in the best possible circumstances.”

    2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source

40. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's meeting on Kosovo. The Council is right to deal regularly with the situation in Kosovo, in view of the gravity of the crisis recently. There is a need to closely follow developments in the situation, which - as we understand from Under-Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno's very concrete and useful briefing - while remaining calm and stable, is nevertheless ambiguous. Unfortunately, stability is still far from being achieved once and for all. As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria fully aligns itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Ambassador of Spain on behalf of the Union. I will limit myself to a few comments in my national capacity.”

    2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source

41. “In this respect, I should like to inform the Council that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres, will visit Sofia on 17 and 18 June and will be received by the highest authorities of my country. Bulgaria supports the idea contained in resolution 1397 (2002): a Vision of a region where two States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders. This is the basis of our policy and underpins our efforts here in the Council.”

    2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552 (2002) · source

42. “Such elections would very likely strengthen the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority and facilitate the peace process. Bulgaria reiterates that Yasser Arafat's right to move freely throughout the territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority should not be restricted. Today's situation makes it difficult to achieve unity of action on the part of the Palestinians and strengthens the positions of those among them who are working against the peace process through irresponsible and irrational actions. Bulgaria welcomes any initiative that might help to reduce tension in the region, including the holding of a high-level conference, which would allow for an end to the violence and for the resumption of the peace process. Bulgaria is doing its best to remain in contact with the parties involved in the conflict.”

    2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552 (2002) · source

43. “In this respect, we deeply appreciate the efforts being undertaken by Javier Solana, William Burns and George Tenet. It is true that their efforts have not yet yielded any tangible results. However, we remain convinced that a lasting peace can be achieved only through the efforts of the international community, the "quartet" and the Security Council. In the final analysis, it is the political will of both parties to the conflict that will help the international community to help them. Let me elaborate on Bulgaria's stance on certain specific problems in the Middle East conflict. Bulgaria welcomes the idea of holding free, democratic and well-organized elections in the territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority.”

    2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552 (2002) · source

44. “It will be difficult to perceive the Palestinian Authority as a good neighbour and partner as long as the civilian population of Israel continues to live in conditions of increasing insecurity that are affecting its very survival. Bulgaria is firmly convinced that any forceful response on the part of the Israeli army should be carefully weighed and targeted, because, if this is not the case, the temptation to match force with force will become ever stronger. The Palestinian Authority should be strengthened and consolidated, not destroyed. In time - not too long from now, we hope - this will allow the Palestinian Authority to become Israel's partner in the pursuit of peace. Bulgaria commends the initiatives taken by the international community aimed at reducing the tension and at bringing both parties back to the negotiating table.”

    2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552 (2002) · source

45. “We are confronted with a vicious circle, with both parties accusing each other and neither one seizing the opportunities offered to them by the international community, and by Security Council resolutions in particular, to turn the situation around and to resume the peace process. Bulgaria strongly condemns the deadly attacks carried out by Palestinian suicide bombers and is saddened to note that these attacks are almost starting to be perceived in the region as something habitual, even routine. But these suicide attacks only distance the Palestinians even further from their principal objective, which is to live in their own State.”

    2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552 (2002) · source

46. “Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement that will be made shortly by the Permanent Representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria is very concerned at the situation in the Middle East. Despite the international community's expectations, the violence is continuing at unacceptably high levels, and efforts to reduce that violence to more acceptable levels remain ineffective. The tension in the region is being generated mainly by the terrorist acts perpetrated against Israeli civilians and by the disproportionate use of force in the occupied territories.”

    2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552 (2002) · source

47. “The other aspect that seems to be very important to us in the new reality which is emerging in Afghanistan, and one with which the new Afghan institutions should deal, is the status of women, their access to health, education, employment and participation in political and social life. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the appeal launched by the European Union to all of the Afghan leaders to grasp this unique opportunity and to fully support the constitutional process that will begin with the emergency loya jirga in order to reach an agreement on common national institutions based on Afghan traditions and on democratic values, on respect for human rights and on the multiparty system.”

    2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source

48. “My country is also pleased with the results of the meeting on the reform of the security sector in Afghanistan organized under the leadership of the United States in Geneva on 17 May. We greatly appreciate the willingness of the United Kingdom, of Germany and of Italy to play a leading role in the areas of the fight against drug production and trafficking, police and the judicial system. Bulgaria played an active role in the two meetings in Geneva. My country will continue to provide assistance to establish the security sector in Afghanistan on a bilateral basis, as well as through ISAF and the mechanisms established at the Geneva meetings. Respect for human rights is crucial for any democracy. The emerging Afghan democracy can only be stable if we respect this principle.”

    2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source

49. “The crucial elements in the international community's general strategy to normalize the situation in Afghanistan are security and stability. From this point of view, Bulgaria will work with the other members of the Council and with countries that are taking part in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to ensure that that process of normalization and return to full security will be accelerated. My country will support the adoption of the Security Council resolution on the extension of ISAF. We would like once again to thank the United Kingdom for having organized and led the International Force, and we would also like to thank Turkey for having decided to assume the command of ISAF for the next six months.”

    2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source

50. “It is true that the process of selecting the members of a loya jirga is taking place in often difficult conditions, especially outside of Kabul. There are political murders and threats, but, nevertheless, the Afghans have proven their willingness to regain control of their country. Bulgaria will continue to accompany them in this path. My country hopes that the emergency loya jirga will play the essential role expected for the development of a viable political process in Afghanistan. We would like to see all of the ethnic and religious communities of the country represented within this traditional Afghan institution. We would also like to see the largest number of women possible as members of the loya jirga.”

    2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source