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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“The presence of a human rights component within United Nations peacekeeping missions, working very closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is therefore especially important. Another key dimension is the role of women in restoring peace and, as I said earlier, increasingly close cooperation between the United Nations and non- governmental organizations.”
2003-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4818 (2003) · source
“The increasing complexity of peacekeeping operations requires increasingly detailed planning and complex coordination among the various United Nations agencies, while non-governmental organizations are sometimes the first on the ground. Doubtless, one critical dimension is the increasingly significant role being played by police contingents, since restoring the rule of law has become ever more important to the Council. We feel that the training of local and national police forces is a commendable practice that should be reinforced. Bulgaria should like to see peacekeeping operations focus on increased respect for human rights. The conflicts with which the Council is seized, unfortunately, involve extremely serious violations of human rights.”
2003-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4818 (2003) · source
“The role of regional and subregional organizations is important both before any peacekeeping operation is deployed - we see this happening in Liberia - and after the operation is concluded. We often find that the role of a coalition of countries seeking such a United Nations mandate - Afghanistan is a case in point - can be very positive. I have said that peacekeeping operations are becoming increasingly complex. That is a fact. United Nations peacekeepers are no longer merely responsible for monitoring ceasefires, but - as we have seen in Sierra Leone and elsewhere - are actually working as administrative authorities. They organize and observe elections and, increasingly, ensure access for humanitarian organizations to stricken populations.”
2003-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4818 (2003) · source
“We must not forget the history of the emergence of this phenomenon of contemporary international affairs. Any peacekeeping operation today must be based on the consent of the parties concerned, the minimum use of force and the perfectly neutral implementation of its mandate. The watchword for peacekeeping operations, we believe, is "realism" and the Council should accordingly draft any mandate in that spirit. Previous speakers, in particular the representative of Germany, mentioned the importance of cooperation between the Security Council and international, regional and subregional organizations in what has increasingly evolved into a division of labour. We feel that the principle of subsidiarity is highly relevant in that respect.”
2003-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4818 (2003) · source
“What ultimately emerges in any consideration of peacekeeping operations is the fact that the Security Council is the body with the final say in defining the modalities of the mandate of any peacekeeping operation. It is the political organ that makes political choices and takes political decisions. Obviously, such decisions cannot be taken without ongoing dialogue with the Secretariat. Bulgaria is particularly grateful to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations for the most valuable contribution our colleagues in the Department make in analysing the practice of peacekeeping operations and their prospects. Another issue of importance to us, at a time when the expectations for and complexity of peacekeeping operations are increasing, is that we must not forget the basic principles of such operations.”
2003-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4818 (2003) · source
“Personally speaking, I would like to tell you that I was saddened to learn that you will be moving to Geneva, and that working with you in the Council and in the United Nations has been an enriching experience for me. I also wish to tell you how impressed I have always been by your demonstrated mastery of Bulgarian. The issue of peacekeeping operations is extraordinarily vast and it is impossible to cover it in one statement. I will therefore confine myself to some general comments on points of importance to my country. The Brahimi report is a very important basis for any discussion in the Council and the Secretariat of the evolution and future of peacekeeping operations. Its value is inestimable and I believe that we must continue to base our judgements on its analyses and conclusions.”
2003-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4818 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I also would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having chosen the very timely subject of peacekeeping operations as the theme of our meeting at this critical and tragic moment in the history of peacekeeping operations following the terrorist attack against the Baghdad headquarters of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq. We believe that, whatever we do after 19 August, the Security Council must consider the security of United Nations personnel and peacekeepers when drafting mandates for peacekeeping operations. I would also like to thank you warmly, Mr. President, for the very dynamic and effective Syrian presidency of the Council in the month of August. It has been a much busier month that we thought it would be at the beginning.”
2003-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4818 (2003) · source
“It is important that the mandate entrusted to it by the Security Council be fully implemented. Before concluding, I should like to reiterate Bulgaria's belief that only if there is unity within the Council can Iraq regain its full sovereignty and take charge of its future, which can only be one of freedom and democracy.”
2003-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4812 (2003) · source
“We are convinced that, through this process, Iraq will regain its full sovereignty and be able to make the extremely difficult transition from an internationally isolated authoritarian regime to a democratic Iraq that is fully involved in the international arena and at peace with its neighbours. Bulgaria will continue to contribute to the work of the United Nations in Iraq. Of course, we must consider ways to enhance the security of United Nations staff in Iraq and everywhere else in the world. But Tuesday's terrorist attack should not deter us from following the course charted by Sergio Vieira de Mello towards an increasingly important and active role of the United Nations in Iraq. Resolution 1500 (2003), which created UNAMI, is an excellent foundation for this work.”
2003-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4812 (2003) · source
“We deem crucial that at this time the international community, through the United Nations, regain its unity and help the Iraqi people to take charge of its own destiny. Bulgaria continues to attach importance to the central role of the Organization in the political and economic reconstruction of Iraq. We believe that the United Nations has the necessary expertise and experience to do outstanding work in Iraq. The clearest evidence of this is the work that was accomplished by Sergio Vieira de Mello and his colleagues. Regarding the political process, we believe that the creation of the interim Governing Council is an important step in the creation of an internationally recognized Iraqi Government.”
2003-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4812 (2003) · source
“I am deeply impressed by the scope of the work that the United States and the United Kingdom have done in Iraq in terms of the political and economic reconstruction of the country. The news coming out of the country, which is sometimes a source of concern, does not always enable us to see the good work done by the international community to help the Iraqis to build the Iraq that we all want. My country, Bulgaria, is among those deeply committed to the process of stabilization and reconstruction in Iraq. In terms of security, Bulgaria has contributed a battalion which has been deployed in the Karbala region. My country is also prepared to contribute its expertise and its resources to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).”
2003-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4812 (2003) · source
“It seems to us that, even as rescue teams continue to search the rubble of the Canal Hotel, the best way to honour the memory of Sergio Vieira de Mello and his colleagues is to continue the work they began in Iraq, so that the Iraqi people can take charge once again of their own destiny and build the free and democratic Iraq that the terrorists who killed them do not wish to see. It comes as no surprise that no group has yet claimed responsibility for the heinous act committed in Baghdad. Evil sometimes dares not show its face to a horrified international community. For this reason, we must fight this evil with even greater vigour and unity. I should like to thank Ambassador Negroponte and Sir Emyr Jones Parry for their reports on the situation in Iraq three months after the adoption of resolution 1483 (2003).”
2003-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4812 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Last Tuesday's terrorist attack against the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad profoundly shocked and upset my country. On behalf of the Bulgarian Government, I should like to extend the sincerest condolences of the Bulgarian people to the families of those who were killed in the attack and our sympathy to the wounded and to their families. Sergio Vieira de Mello was an outstanding international civil servant who, through his spirit of self-sacrifice and his dynamism, made his mark on parts of the world as varied as Timor-Leste and Kosovo. We will never forget him.”
2003-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4812 (2003) · source
“Harri Holkeri. He has the experience and the background necessary to confront the daunting challenges he faces in Kosovo and we assure him of our full support.”
2003-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4809 (2003) · source
“We hope that UNMIK will be able to take the steps necessary to deter those who commit them. We also believe that such acts of inter-ethnic violence in Kosovo do nothing to improve the positions of the various parties to the impending negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina. They can only impede the process. This is yet another reason why we hope that such acts will cease immediately. In conclusion, I should like to say that the concerns I have just formulated are shared not only by Bulgaria in its capacity as a member of the Security Council, but also by all of the countries of South-East Europe. We are duty-bound to state this on behalf of all the inhabitants of South-East Europe, who will never accept inter-ethnic violence. I should also like to offer my best wishes to the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”
2003-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4809 (2003) · source
“Bulgaria has followed with growing concern such acts of inter-ethnic violence and intolerance, which merely further delay reconciliation among the Kosovar communities and the return of refugees to their home towns. It is very important that the international community, and UNMIK in particular, clearly inform all of the local political forces and the inhabitants of Kosovo, irrespective of their ethnic origin or their place in society, that such acts are absolutely intolerable to the international community. Bulgaria also condemns the destruction of religious monuments referred to earlier by Deputy Prime Minister Covic. We believe that the destruction of Orthodox churches and monasteries is totally unacceptable. The point has been made in the past that these acts must stop.”
2003-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4809 (2003) · source
“This horrendous act, following the murder of a police officer of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) barely more than a week earlier, clearly seeks to undermine the efforts of all international and local actors to enable Kosovars to return to their normal lives. Bulgaria believes that the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government of Kosovo should not only categorically condemn the violence, but also help the local police and UNMIK to identify as quickly as possible the perpetrators of these crimes and assist the organs of justice in their work. The cooperation of the Kosovo Provisional Institutions is, we believe, a true test of their ability to shoulder greater responsibility in managing the region and in the transfer of authority.”
2003-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4809 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I wish to thank you, Sir, for having convened this meeting of the Security Council, which offers us the opportunity to speak our minds about the atrocious acts recently committed in Kosovo. I should also like to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Covic. I only regret that his reason for coming here was the assassination of two teenagers and the serious injury of four others. Bulgaria categorically condemns the heinous acts of 13 August in the village of Gorazdevac, near Pec. I take this opportunity to convey the condolences of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people to the bereaved families, particularly those of Ivan Jovovic and Pantelija Dakic.”
2003-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4809 (2003) · source
“It is true that terrorism is a danger that changes its approach and its complexion and is sometimes very subtle. It is a multiform phenomenon that knows no borders and thus is difficult to deal with. However, Bulgaria is convinced that it can be vanquished. To do that requires the efforts of all States. The Committee that you have the honour to chair, Mr. President, is at the heart of that struggle.”
2003-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4792 (2003) · source
“It seems to us that the mechanism that the CTC has represented since its creation has proved itself effective, but obviously - as Ambassador Thomson said a few moments ago - we will not really know how effective it is unless our action makes a difference on the ground. The technical assistance that has been provided - particularly by organizations such as the World Trade Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Monetary Fund and by donor countries - is of major importance. It is therefore disturbing that there still are some countries that, for objective reasons such as a lack of resources, have yet to undertake adequate measures to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 1373 (2001).”
2003-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4792 (2003) · source
“It is very important, in our View, that the competent international organizations include the non- proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the fight against terrorism in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorist organizations. The universalization of international conventions and treaties in the area of non-proliferation and disarmament seems to us an essential point. Bulgaria unreservedly supported the changes that have been made to the founding documents of a great number of international export control regimes in order to lessen the danger posed by nuclear, chemical and biological materials. The fight against terrorism is a challenge requiring long-term stamina.”
2003-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4792 (2003) · source
“President, you have already contributed enormously to the Committee's effectiveness, for which I thank you- has enabled it to become the heart of the global anti-terrorist effort. It is the reference point of all organizations and States that are active in this area. From that perspective, it is very important that the relations that have developed over time between the CTC and other international organizations be deepened, developed and focused. As a number of previous speakers said, it is very often regional and subregional organizations that have the resources and the means to implement counter- terrorism measures. As far as my country is concerned, Bulgaria is contributing actively to this fight in its subregion of South-Eastern Europe by cooperating with regional European organizations.”
2003-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4792 (2003) · source
“Paragraph 7 of the work programme of the CTC mentions the fact that, before 11 September 2001, fewer than 12 countries had signed all of the United Nations counter-terrorism conventions, while now, the number of those countries is more than 40. However, that figure should not be overly reassuring to us, because what counts is the implementation of those conventions. Moreover, permit me to mention the fact that Bulgaria not only has signed and ratified the 12 conventions in question, but also has harmonized its national legislation so as to permit their effective implementation. International terrorism calls for coordinated action on the part of the international community. On that point, the work being done by the CTC - and, Mr.”
2003-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4792 (2003) · source
“We continue to believe that the full implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) is a priority task for all Members of the United Nations. I should like briefly to mention several major vectors for action that we feel should be undertaken by the Committee on the basis of firm and unchanging principles. Any counter-terrorism activity, be it at the national, regional or subregional level, should always and fully conform to the norms of international law and respect the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law. Terrorists should not enjoy even a hint ofjustification for their reprehensible actions. One specific measure that would anchor our fight against terrorism in international law would include, as indicated in resolution 1373 (2001), the signature or ratification by States of the relevant United Nations conventions.”
2003-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4792 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): I should like to thank you, Sir, for having organized this meeting and, in your capacity as Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), for the programme of work that has been developed under your leadership and which Bulgaria supports wholeheartedly. As an associate member of the European Union, my country endorses the statement to be made shortly by the Ambassador of Italy on behalf of the Italian presidency of the Union, an organization that is making a substantial contribution to the fight against terrorism around the world. Terrorism continues to be an immediate and tangible threat to peace and security throughout the world and to all States without exception. That is why counter-terrorism remains a fundamental priority of Bulgaria's foreign policy.”
2003-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4792 (2003) · source
“Clearly, freedom is essential for all development and independence. I express my heartfelt wish for a free and independent Iraq in the near future.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Security is still extremely fragile, and major problems remain. The responsibility of the Coalition Provisional Authority is clearly fundamental in that area. We think that the international community must find the way to help the Iraqis retake control of the management of the situation as quickly as possible. We fully agree with the Secretary-General's approach on the structure and objectives of a United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. We believe that the future role of the United Nations should be defined in accordance with how the situation on the ground develops. Things are changing fairly quickly. It was very encouraging to hear that Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello shares that approach. Before concluding, on a more personal note, I was very moved to hear Mr. Pachachi, at the beginning of his statement, stress the word "freedom".”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Human rights are especially important for a country that is seeking to emerge from decades of murderous dictatorship and to establish the rule of law. As the representative of a country that in the recent past had to face a similar, though not identical, situation, I am particularly sensitive to the aspiration just voiced by Mr. Pachachi: to move towards national reconciliation by shedding light on the recent past. Unfortunately, as Mr. Vieira de Mello said, that past was of the darkest and most brutal. We believe that the United Nations has a role to play in helping the Iraqis shed light on their recent past. In that context, the United Nations is the principal means by which the international community can, as it must, help the Iraqi people face the great challenges before them.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“We assure the Governing Council members present here of Bulgaria's full support for the Iraqis as they seek to establish a free and independent Iraq and to resume the warm and friendly relations that had always existed between our two countries. The United Nations must play a central role in Iraq. That role should become ever greater and stronger. That is Bulgaria's profound belief. We are pleased that the first steps taken by the United Nations in Iraq have been successful ones despite the extremely difficult conditions in which Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello's team is working there. The results are very encouraging. In our opinion, the approach adopted by Mr. Vieira de Mello will yield increasingly tangible results. Bulgaria considers the work of the United Nations in the area of human rights to be of particular importance.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“He has listened to the active members of Iraqi society and faithfully interpret their views. He has forged extremely useful contacts with other countries in the region. He has created good synergy in working with the Coalition Provisional Authority, which I believe redounds to his credit. We thank him and extend our full support to him. It is a pleasure to welcome to the Council representatives of the interim Governing Council of Iraq: Mr. Pachachi, Mr. Chalabi and Ms. al-Hashemi. The establishment of the Governing Council was an important step for the Iraqis as they seek to regain control of their future. Bulgaria welcomes that very positive development.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in Spanish): It is an honour and privilege, Madam President, for my delegation to participate in this meeting of the Security Council under Spain's very effective and dynamic presidency during the month of July. (spoke in French) First, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his participation in our debate today and for his report (S/20003/715) on the implementation of resolution 1483 (2003). I thank him also for his introductory statement, in which he set forth the principles and objectives of United Nations action in Iraq. Bulgaria fully shares his views. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, for his briefing and, above all, for his activities in Iraq.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Moreno Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, are very encouraging, and Bulgaria welcomes them. I would like to conclude my comments by expressing Bulgaria's gratitude to Mr. Ngongi, the former Special Representative of the Secretary- General. We are grateful to him for the outstanding work he has done in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and for his energy and dedication in extremely difficult circumstances. We would also like to welcome Ambassador Swing, who is making his diplomatic talent available to the United Nations. We would also like to thank the Department of Peacekeeping Operations for its professionalism in its management of the Congolese issue, which is one of the most difficult issues facing it. We would also like to thank Mr. Jean- Marie Guehenno personally for his own involvement in this issue.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Unfortunately, we do not forget that the Congolese conflict, because of its length, the ferocity of the warlords and the size of the country itself, has caused violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law to take on proportions that challenge the universal conscience and cannot be ignored. Clearly, a question arises, as in so many situations of this type: how do we express the international community's support to the Congolese people along with the imperative need for the effective pursuit of the principle of non-impunity? The answers are not obvious or easy, but one thing is sure: the Security Council must be provided with the means - including the legal means - to implement that principle. From that perspective, the statements made by Mr.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“I should like to say only that one of the most important tasks is undoubtedly the organization of free and transparent elections at all levels and throughout the country's territory. But I should like to dwell on an issue that, I believe, is of concern today to all speakers around this table: the issue of impunity. Bulgaria has always favoured respect for the principle of responsibility for actions committed, whether in the African Great Lakes region, in Sierra Leone, in Timor-Leste or, obviously, in the Balkans. It is fundamental for the future, not only of the Congo itself, but also of the rest of Africa, that the international community do everything possible to ensure that that principle is respected.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“From that perspective, the draft resolution elaborated by the Security Council for a strengthened and extended mandate for the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) is a very positive and important development that Bulgaria has supported. We hope that the draft resolution is adopted as quickly as possible. In particular, we welcome the fact that it provides for the imposition of an arms embargo on the eastern part of the Congo. We also believe that a monitoring mechanism should eventually be established and that sanctions should be provided for those who violate the embargo. I shall not speak at length about what the transitional Government should do. The task that faces it is immense.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“I believe that it is a good example of the sometimes positive aspects of globalization, because public opinion can take the lead, and influence decision makers fairly rapidly, as is the case here. I believe that the decision on Bunia also made it possible for the political process in the Congo to make important progress. If today we are celebrating the establishment of the national transitional Government in Kinshasa, it is because of the fact that the international community - particularly by sending the contingent to Bunia - has made it clear, first of all to the Congolese themselves, but also to the countries of the region, that its commitment to the Congo is for the long term and is very strong. I believe that the Security Council is fully playing its role here and should continue to do so in the future.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“This action was obviously made possible, above all, by the extremely courageous decision of the French authorities. I must thank France for what it has done in Bunia. I participated in the Security Council mission to Bunia, and I must say that what has been accomplished by General Tonier, the officers of his staff, his soldiers and the representatives of the other countries participating in the Force - there are also non- European countries - deserves not only to be welcomed but also to be highlighted, since this is a decision that is fully in keeping with European and global public opinion regarding the intolerable horrors that took place in Ituri.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): At the outset, I should like to wish a warm welcome to Mr. Javier Solana, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, at the Council table. As a country associated with the European Union, Bulgaria fully associates itself with his statement. On a more personal note, I should like to say that today, it is even more of a pleasure than usual to associate myself with a common statement of the European Union, because, among other things, the sending of the multinational Force to Bunia is one of the European Union's most courageous actions with regard to foreign policy beyond the European continent. In Mr. Solana's comments, I noted a genuine pride; I believe that it is very well founded.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“My country is determined to continue to work within that mechanism to further improve the cooperation of the countries of the region and the subregion with regard to drug trafficking. Before concluding, I should like to associate myself completely with the presidential statement to be made regarding the problem.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“In that regard, the Paris ministerial conference on drug routes from Central Asia to Europe was a very important and very useful event. One of the explanations for this trend is perhaps the fact that the countries of South-East Europe are undertaking major efforts to coordinate their work in this area, particularly within the framework of the Regional Centre for Combating Trans-Border Crime, which is part of the South-East European Cooperation Initiative. In the Centre, there is a drug task force headed by Bulgaria. Recently, in May, under the Greek presidency of the European Union, a third regional operation coordinated by the European Police Office took place, with very satisfactory results.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“I take this opportunity to thank all the countries that are doing important leadership work in this area: the United Kingdom, as far as the drug problem itself is concerned; Germany, with regard to modernizing the Afghan police force; and Italy, as regards modernizing the justice system and establishing the rule of law. It is clear that one of the surest ways to deal with the problem of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is - as Mr. Costa said - to reduce demand in the consumer countries and the transit countries; there is now practically no difference between them. From that perspective, I must say that, according to the competent Bulgarian authorities, a positive trend regarding the Balkan drug route has been observed recently. The quantities of drugs on that route are gradually diminishing; alternative routes are being been taken.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“Costa just told us - that, in the light of that situation, we cannot expect that the problem of poppy production in Afghanistan will be resolved in the near future. However, we must not succumb to fatalism, because poppy cultivation is not traditional in Afghanistan, but, in terms of history, a relatively recent phenomenon. But it currently seems to have structural importance for the Afghan economy, and that, therefore, is the main source of our concern. The efforts that the Afghan Transitional Administration is undertaking in its drug strategy represent an important element that we fully support. I shall not elaborate on the economic dimensions of the problem. It is clear that, unless alternative sources of income are created in the Afghan fields, it will be very difficult to talk about any solution to the poppy problem.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for having focused our discussion this time on this subject. As you know, Bulgaria is geographically on the so-called Balkan route, the drug route that originates in Central Asia. The problem of drug production in Afghanistan has always been of central concern to us. Bulgaria is following with growing concern the trend towards stabilization of a rather high-level of drug production that we are witnessing in Afghanistan, and which Mr. Costa has just confirmed. In 2002, the area of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is estimated to cover 74,000 hectares, and 3.3 million Afghans are involved in poppy cultivation, which makes up more than 20 per cent of Afghanistan's gross domestic product. Between 70 and 90 per cent of heroine in Europe comes from Afghanistan. It must be noted - and here, I associate myself with what Mr.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“It is very difficult for me not to react to the rather gloomy picture that Jean-Marie Guehenno has just drawn concerning the security situation and other matters in the Afghan provinces. I will not elaborate on that in detail. I would just like to mention the fact that only one fifth of the expected budget revenues have been collected thus far in the Afghan provinces. One third of Afghan territory is inaccessible to the United Nations. These details and the human rights violations that continue in Afghanistan should, in my View, cause us to reflect on the situation. Drug production is one of the most important dimensions of the Afghan situation for the international community, given that such production has implications first for the country itself, for the region and indeed for the entire world, especially for Europe.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tafrov (Bulgaria) (spoke in French): Allow me to associate myself, Mr. President, with the remarks that you made to Ambassador Wang and to tell him how much I have benefited from his wisdom and the clarity of his analyses, in particular, as well as his human warmth over the past months in the Council. I personally thank him wholeheartedly and on behalf of my delegation. At the same time, I would like to welcome Ambassador Mufios of Chile and wish him all the best at the Security Council. I would like to thank Jean-Marie Guehenno for his briefing and Mr. Costa for his complementary statement. Bulgaria fully associates itself with the declaration that will be made later on by the permanent representative of Greece on behalf of the European Union. But I would like to make a few comments in my national capacity.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774 (2003) · source
“Africans often come up against globalization in the form of the internationalization of arms trafficking, which, in its turn, benefits from a very effective international banking system. I believe that to some extent, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations represent the human face of globalization. That is why the role of the United Nations in Africa is irreplaceable.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The situation with regard to the reciprocal recognition of borders, for example, is somewhat similar to that in Europe in the 1970s and 19805, when the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe was involved. That might not provide an exact model, but it could prove useful to African countries. Before concluding, I would like to make one point very forcefully. Our experience during the Security Council missions has shown us the importance on the ground of the work of non-governmental organizations. Those organizations do outstanding work, and their partnership with the United Nations is extremely useful and should be encouraged. I must say that our discussions on Africa would not make much headway if we did not take account of the global context in which African conflicts take place.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Another point to which I would like to refer is the partnership of the Security Council with African regional and subregional organizations, which I think we all agree is very important. Judging from my own personal experience, very often such organizations need enhanced capacity - institutional, financial and personnel capacity - in reacting to crisis situations. With regard to the situation in the Great Lakes region, I believe that it is important to ensure that regional and subregional cooperation not be confined merely to the drawing up of successive peace plans but go beyond that. In this context, the experience of certain continents - and I, of course, can speak of Europe - could be considered by our African friends.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Those who work on sanctions committees are well aware that the same names crop up again and again. We must begin to deal with that problem once and for all, as it is of crucial importance for the African continent, as well as other parts of the world. It also has a negative impact on the countries where such arms brokers operate, as they are a source of corruption with respect to administrations of many arms-producing countries that serve as intermediaries in this traffic. I wanted to make that point during this debate, because it seemed that, in the context of the fight against organized crime - and this is clearly one aspect of that fight - we could not remain silent on the harmful role of such arms brokers.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source
“This morning the two leaders of the missions - Jean-Marc de La Sabliere and Jeremy Greenstock - clearly set out the objectives of those missions. I have little to add, but I would like simply to refer to a comment by Ambassador Pleuger relating to the problem of small arms. That is certainly a major problem in Africa, and it is linked to the issue of the illegal exploitation of natural resources, since the exploitation of such resources is the main source of funding for the arms trade. I agree with his analysis, but I would like to draw the attention of Council members to one of the links in the chain of the arms trade - international arms dealers. This is a relatively small group of individuals who are well known to the legal authorities and the police in many countries throughout the world.”
2003-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4766Resumption1 (2003) · source