NEWS

President Rumen Radev: The international community should tackle the root causes of conflicts and migration

In his address to the UN General Assembly, the head of state highlighted the importance of prevention as a major instrument for the preservation of peace

In order to tackle the root causes of the continued military conflicts, the UN needs to adopt a comprehensive approach that combines the efforts of preventive diplomacy, intermediacy and the establishment of peace. Only thus can we restore governance and stabilize the political, economic and social conditions in the countries plagued by crises. This is what President Rumen Radev said today in his first address to the UN General Assembly in New York.  The head of state is leading the Bulgarian delegation attending the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly on the topic of "Striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet."

In his speech at the top-level forum President Radev pointed out that the incessant conflicts raging in many regions across the world are continuing to undermine the international peace and security and human rights. "The acts of violence are devastating the local economies, and are provoking mass-scale movements of refugees and migrants, bringing about diseases, hunger and enormous human suffering", the head of state said.

"International migration is a global phenomenon and it is only by concerted efforts, such as the Global pact on migration that we could ensure a balanced approach that covers the  protection of human rights and the compliance with the international humanitarian law, as well as the efficient control over borders and readmission", Rumen Radev emphasized. The president was adamant that the states have both rights and responsibilities to protect their borders as a component of their national security. "Increased border control is of prime importance, especially with regard to the prevention of illegal immigration and the eradication of human trafficking," the head of state further said.

The head of state singled out the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan as posing the major threats to international peace and security. Rumen Radev was adamant that disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons for mass destruction and the control over armaments are among the major pillars of international security. Bulgaria has reaffirmed its complete support for the Joint comprehensive action plan adopted in 2015 on Iran's nuclear program as essential to regional and global security, the president noted.

In his address, Rumen Radev also expressed our country's position of categorically condemning  the numerous nuclear tests carried out by the  Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which builds up tension in the region and undermines international peace and security", the president said. The head of state called for a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution of the issue.

The president further noted that encouraging equal treatment, the fight against discrimination and the protection of human rights are of paramount importance for achieving lasting peace and sustainable development. He highlighted his conviction that the respect for human rights should be the UN's central priority.

The principles of "do not forget anyone" and " first help those most in need" are not merely political declarations but are some of the commitments arising from the 2030 Agenda - if we in earnest aim to eradicate poverty across our planet, then we should in effect achieve the goals for sustainable development", is what Rumen Radev further called for in his speech at the forum.