Statement
of Mrs.
Nadezhda MIHAYLOVA
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria
Dear Secretary General,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Euro-Atlantic security is and will remain a key issue far beyond the
agenda of our current meeting. Recent developments prove that the joint
persistent efforts of the Euro-Atlantic community of democratic nations
with the Alliance as its main pillar begin to bring fruit. The positive
trends in the hot spots of the Western Balkans are a convincing proof
that we are on the right track.
Croatia's commitment to democracy and her promising start in the EAPC
and PfP provide grounds for optimism about a speedy integration of this
country into the European mainstream. The importance of the unfolding
democratic process in Yugoslavia can hardly be overestimated and fully
deserves the in-depth discussion that we will have later today. With all
its complexity the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving, though
slowly and painfully, to normalcy. The chances to overcome the consequences
of the suicidal policies of ethnic cleansing and hatred need all possible
support.
The security risks in the Western Balkans are decreasing, but they are
far from being over. The Allied robust stability projection capacity in
the Western Balkans is and will continue to be a factor of key importance.
KFOR and SFOR are playing a crucial role and the security risks related
to the Preshevo valley are a clear proof to this. The need for their long-term
involvement is undisputable and we are considering possibilities for additional
Bulgarian contribution to KFOR. I would argue at the same time that NATO
has at its disposal another mighty instrument to strengthen security and
stability in our region. This is enlargement with the applicants from
South-East Europe that have proved their commitment and capacity to assume
Allied responsibilities. The sooner such a decision is taken, the better
for the overall Euro-Atlantic security.
Against this background, I would argue that NATO enlargement prospects
should not depend on short-lived political considerations. The process
has to be perceived as an imperative strategic necessity for the overall
Euro-Atlantic security. This vision is underpinning the commitment of
the nine aspiring countries undertaken in Vilnius and reaffirmed at the
Defence Ministerial in Sofia in October and here, earlier this morning,
to work closely together to join NATO. Our combined efforts demonstrate
our commitment to develop the will and culture of the Alliance's consensus-building
process. We are ready to keep sharing our experience and supporting each
other's effort in preparing for membership. All nine countries are committed
to work for the completion of a Europe whole and free. We hope that the
Alliance shares this commitment.
The various forms of regional co-operation are another essential aspect
of international efforts to enhance security. Bulgaria is contributing
and will continue to contribute to these efforts. For illustration I would
point out to the launching of the South-East Europe Co-operation Process;
the hosting of the SEEBRIG Headquarters; the co-chairing of the Stability
Pact Working Table on Defence and Security Issues; the initiation of SEEGROUP
within the NATO South East Europe Initiative. We fully recognize the value
of regional co-operation. In South-East Europe it is even more important
given the burdens of the past and the need to consolidate the emerging
new political climate and culture of co-operation.
But I have to stress that regional co-operation has both its strengths
and its limits. The right way to assess its effectiveness is to evaluate
it as an instrument of facilitating and accelerating the accession of
all and each country in the region to Euro-Atlantic institutions. It cannot
and should not be regarded as a substitute to the integration processes.
Bulgaria actively participates in the SEE regional initiatives with the
assumption that they are designed to guarantee every county its own track
for NATO and EU integration based upon rules and principles valid for
all.
In this context I would like to reiterate the importance of NATO's South
East European Initiative (SEEI). I mentioned briefly our effort to initiate
and coordinate the establishment of the South East Europe Security Cooperation
Steering Group (SEEGROUP). The main objective now is the implementation
of the Group's Action Plan and we welcome the call for continued support
to this end, delivered in the Progress Report on SEEI. Bulgaria is determined
to continue to play an active role in other EAPC initiatives focused on
South East Europe. These include the EAPC Ad-hoc Working Group on Prospects
for Security Co-operation in South-East Europe and the SEE Common Assessment
Paper on Regional Security Challenges and Opportunities. We have responded
to the notion of regional "ownership" of the SEEI-implementing
initiatives. What we need to make them real success is more "robust"
involvement of both NATO and individual Allies.
Mr Secretary General, from a broader perspective we highly appreciate
your personal initiative to explore additional ways for improving the
effectiveness of the EAPC as a forum for political consultation and practical
cooperation. I would like to highlight one particular point, the need
to maintain the close link between the EAPC agenda and that of the Alliance.
To this end, Partners, and aspirant countries in particular, should receive
regular and substantial updates on security policy issues which affect
them, such as the NATO-EU dialogue on the development of the European
Security and Defense Policy, the Defense Capabilities Initiative, etc.
The EAPC should continue to explore new topics for focused consultation
and practical cooperation on issues such as Small Arms, Humanitarian Mine
Action, International Terrorism, Illegal Trafficking and other areas.
An important issue I would like to touch upon in conclusion is the process
of building Common European Security and Defence Policy. Our support for
the EU efforts to create collective crisis management capabilities is
an element of our EU integration policy. We welcome the "Nice Europe".
We assume that stronger Europe should mean stronger NATO and vice-versa.
On this understanding Bulgaria is committed to contribute to the emerging
European military capacity.
Thank you for your attention.
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