Rumen Radev: The Sheer Deterioration of International Peace and Security Threatens the Development and Undermines the Rules-Based International Order
2024-09-25 18:13:00
From the rostrum of the UN General Assembly, the Bulgarian head of state called for support for multilateral diplomacy and international law
Our world faces a range of complex problems – from the unprecedented challenges to the global peace and security to the escalating climate crisis and the persistent inequalities, we are confronted with a complex array of issues that require our immediate attention and concerted effort. This was stated by President Rumen Radev in his speech today from the rostrum of the UN General Assembly. The head of state emphasised that Bulgaria addresses the 79th session of the General Assembly with the determination to promote multilateral diplomacy and seek workable solutions based on the Charter of the United Nations. This is the path to follow for the survival of humanity and future generations, Radev stressed and expressed hope that the Summit for the Future and the adopted Pact for the Future under the auspices of the United Nations will be a step towards a vital transformation that nations expect.
The international order forged in the United Nations is facing a threat, the president also pointed out adding that the sheer deterioration of the international peace and security environment in the last years is threatening the fulfillment of our sustainable development agenda, undermining the rules-based international order. Restoring and preserving the peace must not be seen only as the ultimate goal of the international community but it is a basic prerequisite for the SDG’s fulfillment, said Rumen Radev. The head of state reminded that in 2015 all UN member countries unanimously adopted 17 sustainable development goals, sharing a common vision for peace and prosperity of the entire planet. Nowadays they remain more than ever topical and requiring full mobilization of international efforts, the president pointed out.
The head of state said that two and a half years ago, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and from the very beginning, Bulgaria sharply denounced this war, which led to hundreds of thousands of victims, enormous suffering and destruction. Every single day of this war increases the risk of escalation in intensity and geographical scope, posing a substantial threat to the global peace and security. The side effects of the war are already gravely affecting the economies and social systems of many countries worldwide, he stressed. Therefore, according to the president, the international community must seek ways that lead to de-escalation and dialogue, and any diplomatic effort that seeks a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter and international law should be supported.
The head of state highlighted the mounting instability in the Middle East after the attack by Hamas against Israel and the subsequent military operations, which led to a sharp deterioration of security in the region, which also has global dimensions. The President also pointed out that the consequences of this military conflict cannot be forgotten - tens of thousands of dead and wounded civilians in the Gaza Strip, the destruction of vital infrastructure and the mass displacement of people.
We call for immediate ceasefire, free access of the humanitarian convoys as well as release of all hostages held by Hamas, the president emphasised. The head of state described the development of the situation in Lebanon as a qualitatively new and dangerous dimension of the conflict, which increases the risk of its regional expansion. Therefore, Rumen Radev called for refraining from the use of force and for the display of reason, so that the spiral of violence and human suffering would be put to an end. The only way to achieve sustainable and lasting peace in this region with its very fragile security landscape is the two-state solution, the president also pointed out.
As a goal of critical importance for the international community at a time of continued destabilisation of many regions, Rumen Radev defined the development of a world without a nuclear threat. In this regard, the President pointed to the need for the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a basis for the process of nuclear disarmament and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Turning regional stability into a priority becomes vital in today's conditions, Rumen Radev also pointed out and mentioned Bulgaria's actions aimed at preserving and strengthening it in Southeastern Europe. Bulgaria conducts a dialogue with the countries of the region, guided by the conviction that security, stability and prosperity are of key importance for sustainability in a wider international context. Bulgaria is a strong supporter of the European path of the Western Balkan countries, Rumen Radev also pointed out and highlighted as priorities of our country the building of good neighbourly relations in the region, the improvement of connectivity, the protection of human rights and the countering of ethnic discrimination. As serious challenges in this regard, the president noted the new cases of hate speech and indoctrination. Fighting and curbing the aggressive nationalistic rhetoric all over the region and concentrating on positive agenda of strengthening multiethnic societies and the rights of the constituent communities, will prevent the evocation of the reminiscences of the troubled past of the region, Radev said.
In his speech at the forum, the president also pointed out Bulgaria's contribution to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, not only through the implementation of the National Development Program Bulgaria 2030, but also with the common projects that our country implements with its neighbours and around the world in the field of health care, education, public infrastructure and others.
As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Bulgaria has never looked away from the alarming dynamics in governance processes, the state of democracy and human rights in different regions of the world, the president added. He stated that this is a commitment of our country both internally and as co-chairman of the Group of Friends of Children, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, as vice-chairman of the UNICEF Executive Board, member of the UN Executive Board - Women and by backing initiatives that empower the General Assembly and aim for accountability. Bulgaria advocates an approach to sustainable development based on human rights and expects the active participation of all countries in the upcoming World Social Summit, said the head of state.
The President also pointed out that along with the international community's focus on achieving peace between nations, it is no less important to achieve reconciliation between humanity and nature. Climate change multiplies threats to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and calls for urgent action based on the Global Analysis, as well as more ambitious climate goals, including financially supported ones, which are expected to be achieved at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the climate.
In light of growing challenges to the principles of international law and the rules-based order established by the United Nations Charter, Bulgaria remains committed to strengthening the effectiveness and accountability of the United Nations Security Council, the head of state emphasised in his speech. The President added that our country supports efforts to increase transparency and accountability in the work of the Council and is a co-author of the key resolution of the General Assembly regarding the imposition of the veto. The head of state also expressed our country's position on granting the group of Eastern European countries an additional non-permanent member seat in the reformed UN Security Council.
