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Rosen Plevneliev: We support the common ambition to guarantee the security, democratic development and the rule of law in Europe

We support the common ambition to guarantee the security, democratic development and the rule of law in Europe and we assume our responsibility, led by the idea of the necessity to protect our common values. This is what President and Supreme commander-in-chief Rosen Plevneliev said after taking part in the ceremony to mark one year since the activation of the NATO Forces Integration Unit (NFIU) in the Republic of Bulgaria.

The Head of State said that the establishment of the NATO Forces Integration Units is part of the common adaptation of NATO’s structure of the forces and the Alliance’s command system.  The setting up of these structures is a categorical expression of the Alliance’s commitment and solidarity in defending all its members, adhering to the principle “28 for 28” and will improve the interaction between the national forces and and the NATO Response Force in case a military-political crisis arises, the President said.

Head of State Rosen Plevneliev reiterated the need to reconsider and adapt the collective defence vision to guarantee a free, peaceful and united Europe. “The people expect us to set collective security and defence as a priority and that politicians must be united around this, act efficiently and in a nationally responsible manner.  Freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights are dominant values. Although freedom is priceless, it is not granted for free. Freedom and democracy should not be taken for granted, they should be defended on a daily basis,” Rosen Plevneliev said.

“Russia’s actions in Eastern Ukraine, the illegal annexation of Crimea, the frozen yet simmering conflicts close to our borders, the imminent threat of terrorist groups such as Islamic State, impose an additional burden on our common efforts to protect our sovereignty and democratic statehood, by developing capabilities for reliably deterring threats of any type,” the President said.

The Head of State said that since the official activation of NFIU on 3 September 2015 onwards the unit has taken part in a lot of international and national military exercises and forums, thanks to which the individual and collective training of the staff has been considerably improved. “As a host country, we assume our responsibility, led by the understanding of the need to protect common values. We improve and enhance our defence and counteraction capabilities. Although we want peace, we can guarantee peace only by showing resolution to counteract any destructive action and attempt to destroy the international world order,” the President added.

The Supreme commander-in-chief voiced gratitude to all politicians, diplomats, military and civilian experts, who with their dedication and commitment contributed to setting up and activating the NFIU.