News - USA, New York, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN

During the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, Ambassador Gergana Karadjova reaffirmed Bulgaria’s consistent commitment to peace, security and diplomacy.

Ambassador Karadjova underlined the need for sustained international efforts to address the multiple challenges facing the region.

Bulgaria expressed its strong support for the efforts of High Representative Nikolay Mladenov and the Board of Peace in implementing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and Security Council resolution 2803. The statement welcomed the work of the relevant mechanism in supporting the implementation of the ceasefire arrangements, promoting effective governance, advancing the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, and coordinating international efforts in support of the Comprehensive Plan. It was emphasized that the successful implementation of these efforts is essential to translating political commitments into tangible results on the ground.

Ambassador Karadjova stressed the urgent need for immediate, safe and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to reach the population of Gaza at the required scale. Bulgaria reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within secure and internationally recognized borders.

The statement underscored the need for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and all other non-State armed groups, and reaffirmed that Hamas cannot be part of the future governance of Gaza. Bulgaria stressed the importance of creating conditions for security, stability and effective governance that would enable the sustainable recovery of Gaza and contribute to lasting peace.

Bulgaria expressed serious concern over the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including increasing settler violence and settlement activities, which undermine prospects for achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-State solution.

With regard to Lebanon, Bulgaria welcomed the Trilateral Framework Agreement between Lebanon, Israel and the United States as an important step towards de-escalation, strengthening Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and advancing regional security. Bulgaria stressed the importance of the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, including the need for all non-State armed groups, in particular Hezbollah, to be disarmed and for state authority to be established throughout the entire territory of Lebanon. Bulgaria reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the Lebanese authorities to strengthen state institutions and extend state control across the country.

With regard to Syria, Bulgaria reaffirmed its support for a peaceful, inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition based on respect for human rights, as well as for the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Addressing Iran, Ambassador Karadjova expressed hope that the cessation of military strikes would create an opportunity for the resumption of diplomatic dialogue and for reaching a negotiated solution to the outstanding issues related to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Bulgaria also emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and other key maritime routes in the region, in accordance with international law, while condemning actions that threaten regional stability and international security.

Bulgaria remains firmly committed to upholding international law, supporting multilateral diplomacy and working with international partners to advance lasting peace, security and stability in the Middle East.