YouSaid · the spoken record

Tafrov

lines on the record: 681
first: 2002-01-18
most recent: 2015-03-27
sittings or episodes: 114
sources: un-security-council

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“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I also wish to thank Sir Kieran Prendergast for his exhaustive and detailed briefing. As an associate member of the European Union, Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement that will be made later by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. I would like to make a few comments in my national capacity. The prospects before Afghanistan for a better future are much better than they were six months ago. The results of the first stage of preparing the loya jirga are encouraging. The efforts of the Special Independent Commission for the Convening of the Emergency Loya Jirga are a clear success. The role played by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, in this success is to be commended.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“We are convinced that, under the leadership of the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) will succeed in the mandate conferred upon it by resolution 1410 (2002). In conclusion, Bulgaria fully supports the presidential statement on East Timor to be made at the conclusion of this meeting.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“I should also acknowledge the assistance provided by non- governmental organizations to the East Timorese people. The people and the leaders of East Timor undoubtedly have the principal credit for the independence of their country. I pay tribute to the constructive participation of Portugal, to the assistance and the essential support of Australia and of New Zealand, and to the role of Indonesia and its President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, as well as to that of Japan, which have all contributed decisively to the birth of a new State. After the General Assembly's adoption of its resolution 56/282, removing East Timor from the list of non-self-governing territories, the new and sovereign State is a full-fledged member of the international community.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, President of East Timor, as the instrument of Bulgaria's recognition of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria endorses the statement made earlier by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. On the occasion of this memorable event, I should like to add a few words in my national capacity. My country highly appreciates the active role and the personal commitment of the Secretary-General in the effective coordination of the activities of the United Nations system in East Timor. My delegation thanks the Special Representative for East Timor and Transitional Administrator, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, and the team of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) for their outstanding work and dedication.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): On behalf of my delegation, I should like to thank you, Mr. Minister, for leading the work of the Council on this memorable day for the international community, which is witnessing the birth of a new State. It is a great honour and a pleasure for me to convey the congratulations of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Georgi Parvanov, to the President and the people of East Timor on the proclamation of the independence of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. This historic event is the happy outcome of the East Timorese people's long struggle for national independence. In conformity with the norms of international law and established practice, my country considers the telegram of congratulations sent by the Bulgarian President to His Excellency Mr.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“We are also gratified that the President of Indonesia, Ms. Megawati Soekarnoputri, will attend the independence ceremony. This augurs well for the development of positive bilateral relations between those two countries.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“The integration of the country into the international community and, in particular, into the economic and political structures of the region is of crucial importance. In this context, we welcome the trilateral consultations that took place in February between the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Indonesia and Australia, as well as the agreements that were signed to improve relationships with neighbouring countries. The forthcoming declaration of Timorese independence will be one of the great success stories of our Organization and the international community as whole. We believe that the United Nations Mission has been able to create such a positive model for the peacekeeping activities of the Organization. In conclusion, I would like to stress the positive part played by Australia and Portugal in achieving this result.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“We would like to draw attention to the need to resolve two problems that are important to the stability of the new State and the region as a whole. The first is the need to accelerate the border demarcation process. Beginning the land border demarcation process will contribute to resolving problems linked to security. Secondly, we would like the United Nations to continue working to bring about a return of refugees, including in the period after independence has been declared. Bulgaria hopes that international assistance to East Timor will not suddenly drop off after independence has been declared. On the contrary, assistance should be provided in such a way as to enable the country to develop a viable economy and its own sources of income so that its people can enjoy a decent standard of living.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“The presidential election is an auspicious prelude to the independence that will be proclaimed on 20 May 2002 in Dili. My delegation was very satisfied with the peaceful and transparent holding of the election. Bulgaria highly appreciates the efforts and the activities of President-elect Gusmao and the political leadership of East Timor that is aimed at anchoring democratic and human rights principles and practices in the political life of the young country. In this context, Bulgaria commends the outstanding results of UNTAET's work and wishes to thank once again the Special Representative and Transitional Administrator, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, for his remarkable work. My country welcomes the Secretary-General's proposals to continue providing United Nations support in the country's post- independence period.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I wish at the outset to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), and Mr. Hedi Annabi for his introduction of the report. I wish to warmly welcome the participation of President-elect Gusmao and Chief Minister Alkatiri in the debate. We are happy to have them with us today. As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement that will be made soon by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. I would like to make a few brief comments in my national capacity. On behalf of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, I wish to warmly congratulate President-elect Gusmao on his election as the first President of East Timor.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“That process is directly tied to an improvement in security conditions, the rebuilding of the economy and the creation of new jobs. The presence of UNMIK and KFOR in Kosovo is a key factor for security. We encourage UNMIK and KFOR to continue their efforts to guarantee security and a normal life for all the inhabitants of the province, along with the provisional institutions of self- government.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Bulgaria will continue to participate in collective peacekeeping and stability mechanisms in Kosovo. My country is doing its part by contributing 143 police officers to the international police forces, as well as soldiers to KFOR. In recent months, we have begun to see a certain ethnic tolerance coming to light in Kosovo. My delegation is fairly optimistic about the future of inter- community relations. My country will continue to support the emergence of a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo that respects universally recognized principles and norms of human rights and the rule of law. We share the view that the process of the return of refugees and displaced persons is one of the most important signs of the normalization of life in Kosovo.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“That cooperation improves security and strengthens confidence on the regional level. The agreement reached on various issues - in particular on prisoner transfer and the return of refugees - is both a concrete measure to strengthen confidence between communities and a sign of improvement in the overall atmosphere in Kosovo. Bulgaria supports the international community in its efforts to respond properly to the need to ensure the implementation of projects of vital importance to Kosovo. My country favours having the European Commission and the World Bank draft a strategy to reduce Kosovo's dependence on external assistance. We also welcome the idea of establishing criteria to allow the province gradually to shoulder responsibility for its own finances.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“My country will continue to insist on a definitive establishment of the facts regarding the brutal murder in Kosovo of the Bulgarian citizen Valentin Krumov and on the need for the perpetrators of that act to be handed over to UNMIK. Bulgaria welcome's UNMIK's cooperation with Macedonian authorities aimed at creating a common commission of experts entrusted with settling practical problems regarding a common border on the basis of agreements reached. The attempts by certain political groups and individuals in Kosovo to use this technical element for political ends are totally unacceptable and do not contribute to strengthening regional stability and security. My country believes that continued cooperation between UNMIK and the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is of particular importance.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“My country fully supports the delegation of the United Kingdom and others that have forcefully spoken of the need to better control organized crime in Kosovo. At the same time, Bulgaria condemns continued manifestations of ethnically motivated violence, including violent attacks against representatives of UNMIK, KFOR and the Kosovo Police Service. Such attacks must be categorically condemned by the provisional institutions of self-government and by all political officials in Kosovo. Bulgaria is following those events closely and finds unacceptable any attempts by groups or individuals, regardless of ethnic affiliation, to undermine stability and the international community's efforts through the Special Representative to bring life in Kosovo back to normal.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Bulgaria welcomes the establishment of a central executive body of the provisional institutions of self- government of the province. We hope that the entry into the Government by representatives of all communities will be achieved soon. The establishment of provisional institutions of self-government and the setting up of an effective administration whose membership reflects Kosovo's multi-ethnic character will contribute to normalizing the lives of the population. My country supports UNMIK's efforts to ensure equal opportunities for the participation of all communities in the formation of central and local administration in Kosovo. Bulgaria supports UNMIK's efforts to improve security in the province and to combat organized crime and violence in all their forms.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Steiner to normalize the situation in Kosovo will contribute to achieving the objectives of the international community set out in Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria associates itself with the statement to be made later by the Permanent Representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. I would nevertheless like to make a few comments in my national capacity. My country supports the approach of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General aimed at defining major priorities in the work of UNMIK that emphasize the establishment of a viable economy that can improve the living conditions of members of all ethnic communities and combat organized crime and violence.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank you personally, Mr. President, for having organized this open debate on Kosovo. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his detailed and in-depth report on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), and to thank Deputy Prime Minister Nebojsa Covic': for returning to the Council table. I would also like to welcome Mr. Michael Steiner to the Council. I must say that I was very impressed by the clarity of his presentation, which reflects a determined and clear approach to Kosovo's problems and which augurs well for a robust continuation of the excellent start of his mission in Kosovo. My country is convinced that the efforts made by both Mr. Covie and Mr.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“From that perspective, we do not feel it to be the right time to vote on yet another resolution, because practically everything has already been said in the resolutions I have mentioned. We do not feel that a new resolution could add any positive elements to those already in place. We do not need any verbal inflation. What we really seek is the actual implementation of the existing resolutions. On another occasion, my country will comment in detail on the very important proposals made by the Secretary-General in the Council yesterday concerning the dispatch of a force to the Middle East. I must say, however, that my country believes that deploying any force in the region should be an integral part of the international community's efforts and of a political process.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“As I have already had occasion to say, my country welcomes the statement issued in Madrid by the "quartet". A positive atmosphere has emerged in the international community, in which a unity of opinions prevails as to what should be done in the Middle East. One of the most positive elements is the ongoing commitment of the Government of the United States to a search for a solution to the crisis. My country is ready to support any peace initiative that can contribute to the establishment of a just and lasting peace. We played an active part in the drafting of resolutions 1397 (2002), 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002). We believe that Security Council resolutions provide an excellent basis for the efforts of the international community.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In that perspective, we note the beginnings of a withdrawal, which we ascribe to a large extent to the ongoing commitment of the United States and the other members of the "quartet" to the mediation efforts, in particular the mission of United States Secretary of State Powell to the region. The destruction of Palestinian infrastructure in no way contributes to solving existing problems because it does not allow moderate elements on the Palestinian side to control terrorist organizations. We expect the Palestinian Authority to commit itself fully to putting an end to acts of terrorism against Israel and to dismantling terrorist networks. Bulgaria appeals to all countries in the Middle East to work actively to prevent acts of terrorism, which seriously obstruct every effort of the international community to resolve the crisis.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Bulgaria is deeply concerned about the very serious situation in the Middle East and appeals for an immediate ceasefire. Of greatest concern to us today is undoubtedly the humanitarian situation. Yesterday, the Secretary-General spoke to us about the situation in Jenin. My country fully shares his concerns. It is urgent that humanitarian organizations be given access to Jenin so that human lives may be saved. We reaffirm the absolute necessity of Israel's withdrawing from the occupied territories and ending the isolation of President Yasser Arafat.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In that spirit, let me note that in the very near future, quite probably at the end of June, Bulgaria intends to organize a regional forum of the countries of South-East Europe at which the countries of the region will be able to discuss the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). In conclusion, I would again like to thank the Secretariat and the independent experts for the remarkable work they have done and express the hope that Sir Jeremy will continue his work in the same vein.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512 (2002) · source
“We entirely share the view of the Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee that Virtually no country today can pride itself on having entirely achieved the objectives set forth in resolution 1373 (2001). The implementation of that historic resolution is a long and evolving process. Jean-David Levitte spoke of a world audit. That is exactly what is happening. I think that after identifying the scope of the problems we shall then make our way towards identifying the means of solving them. It is here that, in the near future, the Counter- Terrorism Committee will have to be put through its paces. Like delegations that have spoken before us, Bulgaria entirely agrees that the regional approach has great potential. We are delighted to see that this is the approach the Committee has adopted.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512 (2002) · source
“However, we note that 46 countries have still not submitted their national reports. We would like to voice our hope that those countries will be able to submit their reports as soon as possible. It is clear that there are many reasons for those delays. In particular, as Sir Jeremy has pointed out, for some countries the fight against terrorism is something new, and the administrative machinery in those countries lacks the appropriate means to carry it out. Our delegation believes that the Counter-Terrorism Committee should focus particular attention on that aspect of its work and possibly come to the Security Council with a proposal to accelerate the preparation of these reports well in advance of the review of the work of the Committee, which will occur at the beginning of October.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512 (2002) · source
“Ambassador Greenstock not only has indeed managed to show the serious-mindedness with which we are all familiar, but he has also taken the right approach to the daunting task before him by giving due weight to the political and technical aspects of the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, which are intimately interrelated and often very difficult to distinguish from one another. I think that the great success of Sir Jeremy's work has been due to his openness, in particular with the media, and to his constant efforts to explain to the international community and the general public an activity that, ultimately, is not always very easy to explain. My thanks go to Sir Jeremy for his excellent work. Bulgaria is very satisfied with the results of the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Bulgaria fully endorses the statement that the Permanent Representative of Spain will make on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria is profoundly grateful to Sir Jeremy Greenstock for his very important work as Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. We would also like to thank his colleagues at the British Mission and in London. We warmly thank the Vice-Chairmen and all the other members of the Committee. We fully endorse what has just been said by my colleagues who have spoken before me, in particular Ambassador Levitte.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512 (2002) · source
“Another point of concern to us is the security of sites associated with all of the major religions in the region. Not only are such sites of religious significance for believers throughout the world, but they have cultural and historical importance. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the position of Bulgaria. Bulgaria believes that whatever happens the unity of the Council must be maintained. Resolutions 1397 (2002), 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002) can be implemented only if there is unity in the Council. Any future action - and we think that action is not necessary in the next few days - has to be accompanied by unity of action in the Council over and beyond any nuances and differences in approach that we might have.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Another element in the region with which Bulgaria is concerned is the tension along the Blue Line. Hizbullah's violations of the ceasefire and the provisions of resolution 425 (1978) could further destabilize the situation in the region. We protest and condemn any attempt to violate the physical integrity and security of United Nations staff or of Israeli civilians. Clearly, if such tensions continue they could worsen the situation in the occupied territories and delay the withdrawal of Israeli troops from those territories. Before concluding, I would like to make two important points. The first relates to the need to ensure unlimited access by journalists covering events in the region - that appeal is addressed to the Israeli authorities.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Bulgaria does not believe that destroying the very infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority will help to resolve the current problems, particularly the problem of violence. On the contrary, it will exacerbate them, since all moderate forces in the Palestinian camp will be weakened, as will those in the entire Arab world. We believe that the continued isolation of President Arafat is destabilizing. We call upon Israel to guarantee unlimited access by the international community to President Arafat. In this context, we note with indignation that the Foreign Minister of Spain, Mr. Josep Pique, and the European Union High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Javier Solana, have been prevented from meeting with President Arafat.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“We welcome his decision to send Secretary of State Colin Powell to the region, and we unequivocally support, and have high hopes for the efforts of the Special Envoy, General Zinni, on the ground. We appeal to the parties to the conflict to take the steps that he suggested to put an end to this tragic situation. When I describe the situation as tragic, I am thinking primarily of the humanitarian situation. In this regard, I would like to echo the analysis of this serious question made earlier by the representative of Norway, Ambassador Kolby. I have nothing to add to what he said. A humanitarian crisis is looming; the Israeli authorities in particular must take that into account and prevent such a crisis.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria supports the statement to be made by the Permanent Representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria is deeply concerned about the continuing crisis in the Middle East. We readily associate ourselves with the repeated appeals made in recent days by the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to Israel to withdraw immediately from the occupied territories. At the same time, we believe that it is crucial for President Arafat to call on his people to halt the suicide attacks and to prove that he is in control of his troops by preventing renewed acts of violence. Bulgaria warmly welcomed the statement made last Thursday by the President of the United States, George W. Bush.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“I would also like to say a few words about the categories of people who are particularly vulnerable: women, children, refugees, displaced persons and populations deprived of means of subsistence. Our commitment to them must be translated into a better and more secure reality. The Council and humanitarian organizations must step up their efforts to strengthen the protection of such persons.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Council must act, and must take appropriate measures when access is refused, especially when it comes to freedom of movement in the areas concerned, including through targeted sanctions. Bulgaria supports the World Food Programme's new approaches aimed at gaining access to victims of armed conflict and at providing them with food assistance. We are also pleased with the establishment of the Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping Unit, which makes it possible to identify the areas to which food assistance must be directed. At the same time, we are concerned about the decrease in resources for development efforts. The current levels are the lowest in 23 years.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It is clear that the needs caused by the proliferation of conflicts - sometimes aggravated by drought and other natural disasters - are so huge that they cannot be covered by a single organization. The partnership established among the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Health Organization is a good example in that regard. Our delegation would like in particular to stress the cooperation that should take place at the operational level in the field, as well as joint activities with non- governmental organizations. Unfortunately, in many conflicts humanitarian aid does not reach those who desperately need it, and humanitarian personnel are used as targets.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are pleased with the partnership of principal donors, as well as with that of non- traditional contributors. We also hope that the trend towards increased resources for the Programme will continue. My second observation concerns the need for early warning and preventive action. The international community must intervene at the right time to mobilize awareness about the need for a donor response adequate to meet the food needs of vulnerable people. The experience of the World Food Programme in Africa in the last few years has proven that when resources are provided on time, we can avert a crisis of vast proportions and fraught with potentially tragic consequences.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this important debate. My delegation greatly appreciates the valuable contribution of the World Food Programme, which strives to make a difference in the lives of millions of human beings throughout the world. I am honoured to express Bulgaria's great admiration for Ms. Catherine Bertini, and to recognize her remarkable work during her two terms as Executive Director of the Programme. She has been able to reorganize and modernize the World Food Programme, making it more effective than ever. Bulgaria would like to thank her warmly for that. We support the newly developed strategy to mobilize resources for the World Food Programme with a view to improving the predictability of long- term contributions.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I cannot resist the temptation to cite the eminent nineteenth-century statesman and diplomat Talleyrand, who, when referring to a political assassination, said it was worse than a crime - it was a mistake. Unfortunately, however, that is the case here.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It is undeniable that they have introduced into the conflict an element that is irrational and inhuman from every perspective. They have done so to an unprecedented extent in this already ghastly conflict. Such acts of suicide represent a phenomenon with grave consequences. What really disgusts us is that they are very often encouraged by political leaders. I would like to say this very clearly: the culture of the glorification of sacrifice must go, not only for the moral reasons that I just mentioned, but also for political reasons. Quite simply, such acts do not help the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian people is being called to live with the Israeli people.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are concerned by information we have received concerning difficulties that prominent representatives of the international community are having in contacting President Arafat, who remains the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people. We read in the press that the current President of the European Union himself, the Prime Minister of Spain, Mr. Jose Maria Aznar, was prevented from having a telephone conversation with President Arafat. If that is the case, we protest strongly against such an action on the part of the Israeli authorities. Terrorist attacks represent a major source of the current tension in the region. They have continued since the adoption of the two resolutions. Bulgaria condemns them unequivocally. They are inexcusable, not only from a moral point of view but also from a political standpoint.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Those Council resolutions provide a solid basis for action by all who are engaged on the ground to help resolve the crisis. I am thinking in particular of the Special Envoy of President Bush, General Zinni; the Special Envoy of the European Union, Mr. Moratinos; Terry Larsen; Mr. Vdovine; and others. My country welcomes the decision just taken by the European Union to dispatch to the region the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain, Mr. Pique, and the European Union's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Solana. Bulgaria calls upon Israel to implement resolutions 1397 (2002) and 1402 (2002) and to put an end to the isolation of President Arafat and to the danger to his physical integrity.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria fully supports the statement made earlier by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria, like all other members of the Council and of the United Nations as a whole, is concerned by the worsening of the situation in the Middle East. We call upon the parties to the crisis to exercise restraint. That restraint should be exercised not only through acts but also through language. Sometimes linguistic or rhetorical excesses can be as dangerous and harmful as actions. My country believes that resolutions 1397 (2002) and 1402 (2002) represent a clear and unequivocal road map to resolve the current crisis.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In these circumstances, the watchword for both sides must be "restraint", as previous speakers have urged. The Tenet plan and the recommendations of the Mitchell Committee point the way out of the current crisis. I would refer yet again to resolution 1397 (2002), which is not only outstanding for its endorsement of the vision of two States living in peace and security in the Middle East, but is also important for our Council, which has for so long been virtually unanimous on the question of the Middle East. My delegation is prepared to continue to work towards the unity of the Council on the question of the Middle East, because unity alone can help to provide a lasting solution to the problems ofthat region.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“The terrorist attacks in the Israeli cities of Netanya and Jerusalem were victories for the extremists. Bulgaria strongly condemns these terrorist acts and reiterates its position of unequivocal condemnation of terrorism from any quarter and for any motive - political, economic or religious. As the Secretary-General said earlier in his outstanding statement, these are morally repugnant acts. Bulgaria, while acknowledging Israel's right to respond to terror, appeals to it to show restraint in the current very difficult circumstances. We call on the Israeli authorities not to use violence and above all to respect the physical integrity and freedom of movement of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who, as the democratically elected leader of the Palestinian people, remains the interlocutor in any political process.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): As an associate member of the European Union, Bulgaria fully endorses the statement to be made by the Ambassador of Spain on behalf ofthe Union. Less than a month ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1397 (2002) with near unanimity. Great hopes were born at that time, which were followed by a certain initial decline in the violence in the Middle East and by some encouraging signs on the ground. I point to the resolute mission of General Zinni and of the efforts made by the European Union and other important stakeholders on the diplomatic scene in the Middle East. I also point, of course, to the Beirut summit, which endorsed the peace plan of Crown Prince Abdullah. For the time being, however, it would seem that the enemies of peace have gained the upper hand.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“In that connection, I would like to say that, as a neighbouring country, Bulgaria will continue to work, within the Council and elsewhere, to help get these aspirations translated into reality as soon as possible.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“In this context, my delegation would like to welcome the KFOR and UNMIK amnesty programme. It is designed to promote the handover of illegally held arms and ammunition over a one-month period. We feel that this is a very important and positive step aimed at enhancing security in the province. We would like also to welcome the decision by the Belgrade authorities to transfer prisoners of Albanian origin to Pristina, as I mentioned earlier. This is an important gesture of openness on the part of the federal Government. In conclusion, I should like to emphasize that only a European perspective with respect to the entire region can provide a response to the long-term problems of Kosovo.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“Over the last few months, we have seen budding ethnic tolerance developing in the province. We welcome this positive development, but we remain aware that it is only the minimal beginning, perhaps too minimal, of a process that is undoubtedly going to be difficult. Deputy Prime Minister Covie spoke very eloquently about this aspect. We will continue to support the emergence of a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo, with respect for the rule of law and human rights as primary considerations. Only UNMIK's and KFOR's presence can make it possible to guarantee security and normalcy for all of the inhabitants of Kosovo, in close cooperation with the local authorities. That presence is a decisive factor for security in Kosovo, as it can serve to promote the return to Kosovo of refugees and internally displaced persons of all ethnic groups.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“My country wishes to emphasize the importance ofthe strategy developed by the European Commission and the World Bank, which will to make it possible to reduce Kosovo's dependence on outside assistance and which, we believe, should give priority to small and medium-sized businesses. Bulgaria will continue to allocate resources, to the extent of its ability, for its continued participation in collective instruments for the maintenance of peace and stability in Kosovo. Let me recall that 207 Bulgarians are working in Civpol and in the KFOR military contingent. Thirteen other Bulgarians are working in Kosovo in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. My country intends to establish a permanent diplomatic presence in Kosovo through a liaison office in Pristina.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“The socio-economic impact of these phenomena could jeopardize nascent institutions as well as inter-ethnic relations that are already very fragile. Bulgaria will continue to demand that the circumstances of the brutal murder in Kosovo of our compatriot Valentin Krumov be brought to light fully, and that those responsible are arrested as soon as possible. My country supports the international community's efforts to respond appropriately to the funding needs of projects of vital importance to Kosovo. In this connection, we expect the donors' conference to provide the necessary resources, in the framework of concrete undertakings relating to democratization programmes and to the return of refugees.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source