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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“In this connection, I should like to welcome the recent transfer of Albanian-speaking prisoners from Belgrade to Pristina, and I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to thank Deputy Prime Minister Covie for his personal involvement in that important decision. My country welcomes the decision taken by UNMIK and the Macedonian authorities to set up a joint UNMIK-Republic of Macedonia commission entrusted with resolving practical issues related to the common border, under existing agreements. Bulgaria supports the measures taken by UNMIK to concentrate its efforts on combating organized crime in all of its forms - traffic in human beings, in drugs and in weapons. Additional resources will have to be earmarked to enhance the effectiveness of these activities.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“My country appeals to the newly elected Kosovo leadership to act responsibly in exercising the prerogatives they now enjoy under the Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government and resolution 1244 (1999). It is important that these new leaders respect international agreements on Kosovo, in particular the border demarcation agreement signed by the Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 23 February 2001, which was endorsed by the Security Council in its presidential statement of 7 March 2001. Bulgaria welcomes the cooperation between UNMIK and the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which is of great importance in improving the security situation and in building confidence in the entire region.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“Bajram Rexhepi; and of the other members of the Government on 4 March 2002 represents an encouraging step that will create favourable conditions for the reconstruction of the province's economy and for the establishment of the rule of law, and that will promote the combat against violence and organized crime. Bulgaria is grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Michael Steiner, for his contribution to the conclusion of the agreement on the composition of the Kosovo government. We would like to assure him that he continue to count on Bulgaria's full support.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I should like to start by thanking Assistant Secretary- General Annabi for his very specific and useful briefing. I should like also to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this public debate on Kosovo this month. I should like also to welcome the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Nebojsa Covie at the Council table today and to thank him for his important statement. Bulgaria associates itself with the statement to be made later on by Spain on behalf of the European Union. I should like simply to make a few comments in my national capacity. My country believes that the election of the President of Kosovo, Mr. Ibrahim Rugova; of the Prime Minister, Mr.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“Plans for recovery in Afghanistan require optimal balance and coordination among the various forms of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. My country is mobilizing its own potential in order to participate actively in Afghanistan's recovery.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“We share the opinion of the Secretary-General, expressed in his 28 February letter to Member States, concerning the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid, which has been made even more important by yesterday's earthquake. In response to the appeal launched, Bulgaria has done its best to speed the humanitarian assistance that we pledged at the Tokyo donor Conference in January. The fight against drug trafficking is of major importance for the future of Afghanistan. The eradication of illicit drugs requires a coherent programme that ensures the participation of the rural population. My country is directly affected by that traffic, because it lies directly on the path of illicit drugs that flow from Afghanistan to users in Europe and elsewhere.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“In our view, a careful approach is necessary with regard to ISAF's territorial expansion beyond Kabul. Such expansion must take place in tandem with the process of establishing an Afghan national army and police force. Bulgaria welcomes the progress made in the area of human rights in Afghanistan. Among the events organized in Kabul in March, we should like to note the commemoration of International Women's Day and the first national workshop on human rights. It must be pointed out, however, that disturbing information has been reported concerning acts of ethnic intolerance and repression that require increased vigilance on the part of the international community.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“I would like, at the outset, to say that my country fully supports the Secretary-General's approach to the structure of a United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and in particular his intention to rely on the talents of the Afghan people for the work of the mission. We share the view that the question of security remains of primary importance for the recovery of Afghanistan. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which includes a Bulgarian contingent, plays a key role in that regard. We believe that it would be appropriate for ISAF's mandate to be extended after the initial six months. I take this opportunity to thank the United Kingdom once again for its effective leadership of ISAF. The extension of ISAF's mandate would be an expression of the international community's commitment to the Afghan people.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“If the Afghan people's prospects are brighter today - something that was not expected only six months ago - it is due in large part to the efforts, determination and courage of the anti-terrorist coalition led by the United States. The struggle against terrorism, in which Bulgaria is proud to participate, continues today. Its success will also determine the success of reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The United Nations has a full role to play in those efforts, and we are very grateful to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, and his team, for the remarkable work they have accomplished thus far.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I thank you for honouring us with your presence here today, Mr. Minister, to preside over the Security Council. I too wish to extend to the Afghan people the condolences of the people of Bulgaria over the loss of human life caused by the earthquake in the north- eastern part of the country. I thank the Secretary-General for his excellent report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (S/2002/278). I also thank Ms. Frechette for introducing the report, and for giving us additional useful information. Bulgaria fully supports the statement soon to be made by Spain on behalf of the European Union. I shall therefore confine myself to a few brief comments in my national capacity.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“These organizations play a very important role in the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and my delegation hopes that that role will be highlighted in the activities of the United Nations.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“I should like to thank him in particular for having given us very important examples, including the Sudan, where the situation is truly intolerable. I should also like to mention the importance Bulgaria attaches to the training of humanitarian personnel for these missions. This might be reflected in a future update of the aide-memoire. We are also grateful that the sexual exploitation of children was mentioned, not only because of the media's strong interest in it, but also because it is a real problem. The United Kingdom's idea of establishing a code of conduct is most welcome. In conclusion, I should like to say how important it is that the United Nations continue to coordinate its efforts with non- governmental organizations in the area we are discussing today.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“An instructive and very useful example is the reintegration of ex-combatants of the Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone. The daily work of the Council shows us the importance of this problem of reintegration, seen in crises such as those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan and elsewhere. As for the road map, which we await with interest, I should like to join the delegation of Singapore in hoping that it will not only be consistent with the aide-memoire, but will also set out concrete measures to implement these steps. Finally, I should like to thank Mr. Kenzo Oshima for his briefing and for the important coordination work being done by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and within the United Nations system.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“I would like to highlight a few aspects of the document that we consider extremely important: access to humanitarian assistance by vulnerable groups of a population; the importance attached to the special protection to be given to children and women; the separation of civilian populations from military elements in refugee camps; and lastly, the role of the media. I would like to emphasize in particular the option included in the mandate of peacekeeping operations for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes for former combatants. It is clear that the measures planned need to be adapted to specific conditions in crisis areas. They must be adequately financed and, above all, they must give due attention to the reintegration of children who have participated in conflicts.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Bulgaria wishes to pay tribute to Norway and to you, Mr. President, for having included this item on the Council's agenda. Today's debate is one link in a chain of activities and initiatives within the United Nations system devoted to the extremely important question of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The follow-up to this debate will undoubtedly be extremely useful. The aide-memoire that will be adopted shortly is an extremely useful tool for the Council's work, and I share the sentiments expressed by others on this subject.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“We encourage donors to respond generously to the Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal, and we congratulate the competent United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations that are working in difficult circumstances to alleviate the suffering of the Somali people. At the same time, we urge the Somali parties to make an active contribution to the work of United Nations personnel by guaranteeing the safety of humanitarian workers and the necessary access to strategic sites. Bulgaria agrees with the report's conclusions on security issues and stresses that the safety of personnel, especially peacekeeping personnel, is a prerequisite for effective work on the ground by the United Nations.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“The Transitional National Government and all other parties concerned must demonstrate their readiness to cooperate with the Counter-Terrorism Committee. Bulgaria is deeply concerned by the spread of small arms in the region. One of the essential tasks of the consolidation process is to put an end to the supply of arms to Somalia. We particularly want to stress the need for a constructive contribution from neighbouring countries. In that regard, the international community must consider means to enhance the effectiveness of the sanctions. As Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia, Bulgaria sees the need to ensure full compliance with those sanctions. We are greatly alarmed by the grave humanitarian situation in Somalia.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“lt deserves the vigorous support of the international community, particularly that of the United Nations. We are therefore pleased that this meeting of the Security Council is sending to Somali society a signal of strong support for pursuing the Arta peace process. Bulgaria encourages discussion of the Secretary- General's proposal to create committees of friends of Somali in Nairobi and in New York. This idea is worth studying with the aim of consolidating the uniformity of the various initiatives for peace in Somalia. In the context of the events of 11 September, the Council must attentively follow the situation in Somalia to prevent the country from becoming a refuge for members of terrorist organizations. All countries must scrupulously respect the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“The Arta process can succeed only with the participation of all the factions. It is thus particularly important for the Security Council to give this initiative the necessary support so that all parties will take the path of dialogue and so that the national transition mechanism will be expanded. We hope that the Transitional National Government, the leaders of the political parties, the traditional chiefs and the Somali factions will put aside their differences and act together to advance the peace process. Bulgaria supports lGAD's efforts for national reconciliation in Somalia. We would particularly like to stress the importance of consensus among the countries of that organization and the need for a unified approach to the peace process in Somalia. The resolution on Somalia adopted at the 9th lGAD Summit is therefore encouraging.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“It is still divided by the various factions, their mutual recriminations and the violent confrontations among their militias, which continue to occur. The Arta peace and national reconciliation process finds itself at a virtual standstill. Over the last 10 months, there have been new developments and positive signs from the Somalia peace process. Bulgaria welcomes the decision taken on 14 February by the Committee of Foreign Ministers of the lntergovernmental Authority on Development (lGAD) to convene in Kenya, without the imposition of prior conditions, a national reconciliation conference with the participation of the Transitional National Government and all other Somali parties. We are convinced that the solution to Somalia's problems lies in the hands of the Somalis themselves.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I welcome Mr. Yusuf Hassan Ibrahim to New York and I thank him for rescheduling his trip for an earlier date in order to be with us today. Bulgaria fully endorses the statement to be delivered shortly by the Permanent Representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. I shall therefore confine myself to a few brief comments. The delegation of Bulgaria would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting open to all Members of the United Nations. It gives us an opportunity to consider the complex and alarming problems in Somalia. The Secretary-General's report sheds light on the overall situation in the country, which remains very fragile. Somalia has lacked effective national institutions for more than a decade.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“Let me conclude by paying tribute to the civilian and military men and women of UNMEE for their professionalism and commitment. During our visit, we were impressed by the remarkable results that UNMEE has attained and by the Mission's contribution to the peace process. My country is grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Legwaila, for his tireless efforts to help create conditions conducive to the establishment of lasting peace in the area. I reaffirm my delegation's full support for the efforts he is making in difficult conditions.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“We welcome the mission's fruitful meetings with the religious leaders of the two countries, and we emphasize the positive effect of those meetings on reconciliation and rapprochement between the two peoples. My delegation is deeply concerned at the grave humanitarian consequences of the conflict. That conflict has given rise to massive population displacements and a great increase in the need for emergency food aid. The international community must make all its resources available to ease the crisis. We support the report's recommendations in that regard and call on Member States to make generous contributions to the consolidated appeals for 2002. My delegation welcomes the close and productive cooperation among humanitarian agencies and non- governmental organizations, which is a true example of partnership.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“We believe that the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) must continue to carry out its mandate throughout the period of implementation of all the commitments deriving from the decision of the Boundary Commission. The Temporary Security Zone should remain in place throughout the demarcation process. The problem of demining is crucial not only for the success of the demarcation process but also for the return of refugees. While the essential responsibility for the task lies with the two parties, as indicated by the Algiers Agreements, it is important that UNMEE provide all the necessary support so that the demining can be a success in terms of allowing the demarcation process to be completed. Bulgaria encourages both Governments to continue to promote mutual trust and the establishment of a favourable climate.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“My country welcomes the results of the mission and believes that it has fulfilled its task of preparing for the next stage of the peace process, which should come at the end of March 2002, after the announcement of the definitive juridical decision of the Boundary Commission. We note with satisfaction the public announcements by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the President of Eritrea during the mission, reaffirming that the decisions by the Boundary Commission would be final and binding. These announcements allow us to hope that the two parties will seriously seek a durable solution to their territorial dispute. Now it is fundamental to focus the attention of the international community and the Security Council on the importance of the application of the Commission's forthcoming decision. The Council should make its own contribution.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Thank you, Sir, for presiding over the Council this morning, at a moment when we are discussing an important problem - that of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Like the others, I should like to express the gratitude of Bulgaria for the important role played by Norway in the Council's efforts to bring about a settlement of this conflict. The leadership of Ambassador Kolby in the mission was remarkable. We warmly thank him and his associates for the extraordinary work they have done. Bulgaria associates itself with the statement that will be made shortly on behalf of the European Union by the Ambassador of Spain, but I should like to make some brief remarks on behalf of my country.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“Bulgaria praises the High Representative for his efforts to promote dialogue among the three main religious groups, which have included the rebuilding of religious monuments that had been destroyed. We call on the parties in Bosnia to make greater efforts to that end. Demining must be speeded up; there is an obvious need for a comprehensive demining strategy, to be implemented under the control of the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities. In conclusion, I hail the activities of non- governmental organizations operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially those working in the field of human rights.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“We welcome the increased number of refugees who returned in 2001; this issue is directly linked to revitalizing the country's economy. Among the positive trends of recent months, we should also mention progress towards normalizing relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbours the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia. At the same time, Bulgaria is convinced of the need for more active and more dynamic cooperation on the part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The appearance of Mr. Karadzic and Mr. Mladic before the Tribunal could only improve the overall climate in the country.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“The High Representative's plan for reorganizing the United Nations international presence, which envisions the rationalization and improved coordination of the work of international civilian organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, deserves the Security Council's support. The functions, structures, composition and financing of that presence should accord with the political situation on the ground. Bulgaria welcomes the commitment of the Bosnian authorities to the fight against terrorism, including through their participation in the recently established coordination team. The measures taken by the competent authorities of the Federation with respect to persons suspected of terrorist activities are one example of that commitment.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“My country believes that the Bosnia and Herzegovina peace process has reached the point where its European dimension should be emphasized, because of the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina naturally belongs to Europe and because of Bosnia's European inclination. At the same time, we believe that the issue of the possible participation of countries not members of the European Union in the follow-on police mission to replace the International Police Task Force should be decided in the future, taking account of the contribution that such participants had already made, along with their interest and their capacity to continue their participation.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“Implementation of that decision will enable the general elections to go forward properly and will signal the ability of Bosnia and Herzegovina to become an active member of the Council of Europe. I recall that Bulgaria fully supports such membership. My country supports the international community in its strategy of gradually transferring United Nations responsibilities to the European Union. We welcome the decision of the European Union to name the next High Representative as a special representative of the European Union. Here, Bulgaria endorses the European Union strategy for a seamless transition from the International Police Task Force to a European Union police mission.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“Here, we hail the members of the Election Commission for their work to prepare for the general elections scheduled for 5 October, which will be first organized by the domestic authorities. It is important that the Bosnian authorities be fully involved in the lead-up to the elections, which will be a sign of the ability of Bosnia and Herzegovina further to align itself with the structures of European integration. We appeal to the authorities to implement the four decisions handed down in 2000 by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially that relating to the electorate, which will make possible equitable representation of the entire constituency in the establishment of the State and will facilitate integration into European bodies.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“Bulgaria has been supporting the Dayton/Paris Accord and the actions taken by the international community under that Accord, which is a decisive factor for bringing about peace in the former Yugoslavia and for bringing about a united, multi- ethnic and democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina. My country agrees with the ideas and conclusions contained in the report on the need to pursue the efforts of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to ensure the full implementation of the Dayton/Paris Accord. At the same time, it is our View that this involvement should gradually decline, with local authorities progressively taking over all these responsibilities. That would enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a completely autonomous State that can take its proper place within the structures of international integration.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“I shall therefore confine myself to some brief national comments. My country commends the work done by Mr. Petritsch as the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina and agrees with the views set out and recommendations made in his report of 22 February of this year. In addition to warmly thanking Ambassador Petritsch for his outstanding work, my delegation also wishes to express its satisfaction at the decision taken by the Peace Implementation Council on 28 February to appoint Paddy Ashdown High Representative, as Mr. Petritsch's successor. My country is convinced that Lord Ashdown, who is known as a friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has all the credentials required actively to work with the international community as well as the local authorities.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Allow me at the outset to thank you, Mr. Minister, for having graciously agreed to preside over the work of the Council this week. We are indeed privileged to have you here, and this demonstrates the importance that Norway attaches to its presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. I should like also to thank the Secretary-General for his extremely important statement and also to thank the High Representative, Mr. Wolfgang Petritsch, as well as the Special Representative, Mr. Jacques Paul Klein, for their comprehensive briefings on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bulgaria fully endorses the analysis and the conclusions offered by the High Representative for Foreign Policy and Common Security of the European Union, Mr. Javier Solana.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“As Ambassador Greenstock has just said, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement to the Council as well as the statements of all the delegations thus far allow us to hope that a common ground of understanding can be found within the Council.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“My country attaches special importance to the efforts of the European Union aimed at finding a solution to this complex and dangerous situation. In this respect, we fully support the European Presidency's statement on the Middle East issued on 20 February 2002. Bulgaria welcomes the willingness of the Israeli Government to discuss with Saudi Arabia its ideas for a peaceful settlement of the Middle East conflict. In this respect, the information just given to us by Ambassador Negroponte on the contacts with President Bush seems to us of particular interest. Bulgaria is prepared to work within the Council so that all members of the Council can find a common ground of understanding on the question of the Middle East.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“This would help to reduce violence and restore the conditions for reviving the peace process - conditions which have substantially deteriorated. The greatest priority among these conditions is undoubtedly that of security. Even a minimum of security will allow the political process to succeed. It is unnecessary to point out the importance of economic conditions in the occupied territories, which are currently deplorable and must be markedly improved. Bulgaria fully supports the efforts of the "quartet", and we call upon the parties to make an effort to follow the recommendations of the representatives of those countries and organizations that are working tirelessly for a solution to the Middle East problem.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“As we have already had the occasion to say before the Council, Bulgaria believes that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians should be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties concerned on the basis of resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and on the basis of the principle of land for peace. My country calls for the immediate cessation of any further acts of terrorism. We also call for the cessation of the often disproportionate and useless reprisals. We fully support the Secretary-General's appeal to the parties to the conflict to put an end to confrontation and mutual accusations and to return to the negotiating table. It is absolutely crucial that the parties begin to implement without delay the recommendations of the Mitchell Committee and the Tenet plan in order to arrive at a lasting ceasefire.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I wish first to say that Bulgaria fully endorses the statement to be made by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. I have a few brief comments to make in my national capacity. Bulgaria joins in expressing profound concern at the escalation of violence in the Middle East. The recent attacks clearly demonstrate that we are witnessing an unprecedented deterioration of the situation on the ground. The spiral of violence has resulted in the loss of human life, which we deplore most deeply. The urgent necessity of stopping this spiral of death is evident.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“Given their immense potential and their increased efforts, religious and community groups, women's groups and special-interest organizations are important actors that have considerable influence and can bring pressure to bear on the two principal parties to the conflict. They have an important role to play in efforts to raise public awareness of humanitarian principles and of human rights violations. We support the efforts of the Angolan Government to establish a mechanism to integrate these entities into the process of political dialogue. It is clear that the evolution of the peace process in Angola is at the heart of the matter. I think that this meeting represents a good opportunity to make headway in this respect and to give it fresh momentum by adopting appropriate measures along these lines.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“We would like to emphasize the importance of an integrated approach in helping displaced Angolans, and we would like also to commend the efforts made by the Special Coordinator on internally displaced persons. My delegation fully agrees with the high-level Inter-Agency Network missions' assessment of the nature and magnitude of the assistance requirements of internally displaced persons. We take note of the creation of a national intersectoral commission on demining and humanitarian assistance, and we call on the Under-Secretary-General to devote particular attention to the implementation of the second plan of action. We would like also to note encouraging signs with respect to the participation of civil society in the search for a solution to humanitarian problems.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“UNITA bears the main responsibility for the humanitarian disaster, and the international community must continue to bring pressure to bear on it through sanctions and other appropriate means. We remain deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Angola, especially with respect to areas where military operations are taking place. It is a sad fact that 60 per cent of Angolans do not have official papers or identity cards. The Council must encourage the initiatives taken by the Angolan Government aimed at raising the awareness of the main actors in this area and establishing concrete protection measures. The Angolan authorities must do their utmost to put an end to all acts of violence. Bulgaria welcomes the progress that has been achieved in the coordination of humanitarian assistance.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“The Angolan Government must ensure access to all parts of the country and guarantee minimum conditions of security for humanitarian agencies, in order to consolidate the delivery of assistance. We encourage the Government to do more in this respect. Bulgaria also welcomes the Consolidated Inter- Agency Appeal to support the Angolan Government in its economic recovery. We would like to emphasize strongly that the democratization of the country is a prerequisite for coping with Angola's serious problems. Bulgaria commends the various humanitarian organizations, in particular the World Food Programme, for their efforts to alleviate the suffering of the affected people. We solemnly appeal to UNITA to refrain from using violence and to begin to respect the security and integrity of humanitarian convoys and personnel.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“We encourage the Government to continue the initiatives it has taken with a view to resettling some 500,000 people. Bulgaria welcomes the efforts made to improve the living conditions of the most-affected displaced persons in transit and food centres, temporary sites and refugee-hosting centres. We believe that a great deal remains to be done in order to alleviate the suffering of those most affected. Another point I deem particularly important is the need to provide easier access to people in need in many areas of the country. Despite the concrete results achieved in the south, the north and the central region, the serious deterioration of the situation in 20 areas that are difficult to access, especially in the western provinces, remains a source of concern.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I, too, should like to thank the Emergency Relief Coordinator for his excellent presentation. My delegation is deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict that has gripped Angola for 27 years now. The information available to us confirms that, despite the fact that some progress has been achieved in the last few months, the situation not only remains extremely serious for a large percentage of the population, but has deteriorated considerably. One of the major challenges facing the country is the considerable increase in the number of displaced persons and refugees, who now exceed 4 million, or a third of the total population. It is clear that the Government has the primary responsibility for the return and resettlement of internally displaced persons.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“Lubbers mentioned a moment ago: immediate humanitarian efforts, and development efforts. We thank Mr. Lubbers for taking that nuanced and accurate approach, and for showing that refugees often constitute a development opportunity both for the country of refuge and for the country of origin. That is worth emphasizing.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We must not forget that this small country recently experienced an unprecedented inflow of refugees, a number that represents a very significant percentage of its own population. To some extent, the presence of those refugees during the Kosovo crisis has jeopardized the very existence of Macedonia. We must never forget that. I therefore thank Mr. Lubbers for having addressed this very important problem that may potentially become serious. Mr. Lubbers was quite right to speak of a certain donor fatigue with respect to the problem of refugees in the western Balkans. True enough, there has been some impressive success, but at the same time the reintegration of refugees into their respective national communities remains a major problem. That is where we run into the very important issue that Mr.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Given the lateness of the hour, I shall try to be as brief as possible. First of all, my delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this debate on the problem of refugees, which is an important issue. The briefing just delivered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is extremely interesting and useful to us. I would simply like to speak a bit about the situation in the western Balkans, to which Mr. Lubbers quite rightly referred. We share his analysis. I would just like to draw the attention of the Council and that of Mr. Lubbers to the highly delicate situation that still prevails in Macedonia. We agree with him that there is a major risk of new problems triggering refugee flows.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“President, for including the issue of Kosovo on the Council's agenda this month. We are pleased that the presidency held a public debate. My country feels it is important that the Council continue closely following the situation in Kosovo on a regular basis at a time when the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo is at a critical point in carrying out its mandate. The recent appointment of Mr. Michael Steiner as Special Representative of the Secretary-General, given his skill and experience, gives us hope for the consolidation of peace and stability in Kosovo.”
2002-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4466 (2002) · source