NEWS

From the rostrum of the UN General Assembly the President called on for a lasting political solution to the crisis in Syria

A lasting political solution to the crisis in Syria must be achieved by resuming the negotiations in Geneva with the active participation of the United Nations. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev called on for from the rostrum of the UN General Assembly.

The situation in Syria continues to be a major cause of concern and a risk to regional and global security, the Bulgarian Head of State emphasized in his statement made at the General debate of the 68th session of the UN General Assembly.  Rosen Plevneliev once again condemned the use of chemical weapons and said that it constitutes “a blatant violation of international law, a war crime, and a crime against humanity.”

“There is strong evidence to substantiate the assertion that the Syrian regime is responsible for these attacks, as it is the only party that possesses chemical weapons agents and means of their delivery for an attack of that scale,” the Head of State said and once again pleaded that the perpetrators of this heinous attack must be held accountable for their actions.

Bulgaria, which is one of the countries that signed a letter urging the UN Security Council to immediately refer the situation in Syria to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, joins similar calls, coming from the UN Secretary General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“My country welcomes the Framework agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation to place Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal under international control with a view to its swift and secure destruction, and joins them in demanding that the Syrian regime provide the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons with immediate access to inspect any and all sites in Syria. We call on the UN Security Council to unite and shoulder its relevant responsibilities in compliance with the UN statute, including chapter seven,” the Head of State said in his statement.

Regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis related to the crisis in Syria, the President reiterated the necessity to take joint coordinated action to support the suffering people in Syria. “Bulgaria is also affected by the daily influx of refugees from Syria and despite its financial restraints, the country has adopted an emergency plan and has provided additional resources in order to guarantee adequate accommodation and services to Syrian refugees,” the President said. The Head of State pointed out that our country counts on the assistance provided by our partners and the humanitarian bodies of the UN system.

In his statement at the forum, President Plevneliev welcomed the resumption of the direct peace talks between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority and emphasized the responsibility that the two countries bear for a peaceful solution to the Middle East peace process. “We expect both sides to demonstrate perseverance and commitment to a peaceful solution, to respect each other’s legitimate interests and to refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine the process. Negotiations are the best way forward towards the ultimate goal - a just, comprehensive and lasting solution on the basis of the two states formula,” the Bulgarian Head of State emphasized.

“Bulgaria condemns terrorism as one of the most horrific crimes and challenging threat to international peace and security,” Rosen Plevneliev said and on behalf of Bulgaria presented his deepest condolences to the people and the Government of Kenya for the terror act in Nairobi. “On July 18th 2012 a terrorist attack claimed six innocent lives at a Bulgarian airport. This incident changed Bulgaria forever and is a reminder that the fight against terrorism is a common cause, on which the entire international community must stay united,” the President said from the world rostrum.

The Head of State called on the UN member states to strengthen the process of building friendly and good-neighborly relationships and pointed out the results the European countries have achieved. “From a continent in ruins, torn apart by wars, we, Europeans, have created an area of peace, security and prosperity. Enemies have become friends and allies, united for the better future for their children,” Rosen Plevneliev said. The President also reiterated Bulgaria’s commitment to building good-neighborly relationships based on trust in support of the stability and security in South East Europe and the Black Sea region.

“If common borders and geographical proximity make us neighbours, shared cultural heritage is what makes us a family,” the Bulgarian Head of State emphasized in his statement.

Rosen Plevneliev recalled that in 2013 the Slavic nations are celebrating together 1150 years since the mission of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia, as well as the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet.

The Head of State said before the General Assembly that Bulgaria is a candidate for membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2019-2021 and reiterated Bulgaria’s strong support for the re-election of Mrs. Irina Bokova for a second term as Director General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In his statement made from the rostrum of the UN General Assembly, President Rosen Plevneliev reiterated Bulgaria’s determination to actively participate in the course of reforms of the UN which should enhance the efficiency, representativeness and transparency of the entire system of the United Nations. “I pledge that Bulgaria will be a responsible and reliable partner should it be elected as a UN Security Council non-permanent member for the term 2018-2019,” the Head of State emphasized.

Bulgaria welcomes the convening of the High level meeting on the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals with regard to the persons with disabilities and remains committed to promoting comprehensive and consistent implementation of the Convention at all levels, including by engaging disabled people’s organizations as an important partner in this endeavour, the Bulgarian President further added.

On the third day of his working visit to the US, Rosen Plevneliev will take part in a summit dedicated to Ukraine’s road to signing an Agreement for EU accession and will hold talks with UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova.

The Head of State will attend a reception given by his counterpart, the President of the Republic of Slovakia Ivan Gasparovic, on the occasion of commemorating 1150 years since the mission of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius to Great Moravia.