Bulgaria, 2001

A year after the unique Millennium Assembly,

we can say that the United Nations is playing an

enhanced, more important role as a collective tool for

meeting the challenges facing the world.

Bulgaria welcomes the re-election of Mr. Kofi

Annan as Secretary-General, and hails the award of the

Nobel Peace Prize to him and to the Organization.

International terrorism has become aggressive

and powerful, and threatens not only States but also the

freedom of the human spirit, as proved by the world

Organization’s committed and active stance vis-à-vis

recent terrorist acts, along with the unanimously

adopted Security Council resolutions condemning

them. Bulgaria unequivocally supported those

resolutions, in particular Security Council resolution

1373 (2001). The National Assembly and the

Government of Bulgaria have adopted similar

declarations on ensuring a common effort in the fight

against terrorism.

Let me recall that the fight will be incomplete

without moral — even spiritual — commitment. Let us

not forget that the mere pursuit of material well-being

is not a panacea; other values are needed to improve

the lives of peoples. In a “virtual society”, there is a

need for real values and for a framework acceptable to

both the poor and the rich.

I take this opportunity to convey the condolences

of the Bulgarian people to the citizens of the United

States of America with respect to the terrorist acts of

11 September. We all admire the steadfastness and

courage they have displayed in addressing this tragedy

and its aftermath.

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I am particularly proud to observe that, at a time

when the role and the importance of the United Nations

are on the rise, the Republic of Bulgaria is about to

assume the responsibilities of a non-permanent member

of the Security Council. For the Bulgarian people and

its Government, our election to that important organ of

the world Organization constitutes recognition of the

international standing of Bulgaria and of its active,

balanced foreign policy. Our foreign policy

priorities — membership of the European Union and of

the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — are sounder

than ever before. For natural cultural reasons, we are

committed to the concept of la francophonie, which

embodies not merely a language but a state of mind. I

thank all Member States that were good enough to

support us in the election.

Bulgaria will shoulder the full responsibility of

non-permanent membership of the Security Council.

We are ready to participate in dialogue on the full

range of items related to the maintenance of

international peace and security. My country is open to

dialogue with all States Members of the Organization and

to ideas and suggestions aimed at enhancing the role

and effectiveness of the United Nations.

I wish here to speak of the positive part the

Republic of Bulgaria plays as an important actor for

peace and security in South-Eastern Europe and for

stability in the settlement of crises in the Eastern

Balkans, an area that borders on Bulgaria. We favour

full implementation of Security Council resolution

1244 (1999), and we consider that the 17 November

elections in Kosovo will be decisive for the process of

stabilization and democratization there. Similarly,

Bulgaria attaches high importance to ensuring the

stability of the Republic of Macedonia through the

implementation of the 13 August 2001 Framework

Agreement and to guaranteeing its sovereignty and

territorial integrity. My country supports full

implementation of the Dayton Accords and the

consolidation of the united State of Bosnia and

Herzegovina. In our view, democratization in the

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is a positive element. A

long-term strategy must be crafted to effect the

restoration and economic development of South-

Eastern Europe to rebuild it in the wake of the various

crises it has experienced. Let me stress that these

questions should continue to be the focus of all our

efforts to find equitable solutions to conflicts.

I should like also to highlight Bulgaria’s support

for the lasting and peaceful settlement of other regional

conflicts that are as tragic as those in the Middle East,

in Africa and elsewhere, of which there is a long and

sad list. Our positions in respect to all of these conflicts

are in conformity with the Charter of the United

Nations and generally recognized principles of

international law.

Having myself been an exile for more than 50

years, I am very aware of the human tragedy of

refugees, whose number and suffering are continuing to

increase, as is the case now in Afghanistan.

We attach great importance to items on the

agenda of the United Nations such as the combat

against organized crime and corruption and against

illegal drug trafficking. That is why our Government is

making a particular effort to this end on our own

territory. Monitoring trade in weapons and in dual-use

goods and technologies is highly relevant, given the

linkage between this kind of trade and terrorism.

Let me add that Bulgaria is participating actively

in cooperation efforts in the economic and social field

and in the areas of human rights, the non-proliferation

of weapons of mass destruction, global disarmament

and the protection of the environment. These objectives

are consonant with those of the new Bulgarian

Government: to ensure that the social needs of

Bulgarian citizens are met, and to bring about durable

economic growth, despite the sometimes difficult

international economic situation.

The attitude of the Republic of Bulgaria vis-à-vis

its increased responsibilities within this world

Organization will be based on a clear, logical and

consistent foreign policy, with an emphasis on regional

security, development and broadening the circle of

friendly States, and on making a contribution to the

resolution of global problems through its active

participation in multilateral dialogue. Solutions to

conflicts must be found here, at the United Nations —

not on the battlefield.

In conclusion, we believe that this policy will

meet with the understanding and support of all of the

Members of the United Nations.