Minister Svetlan Stoev: Dialogue and negotiations between equal parties are the only solution to the Middle East conflict
07 June 2021 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev confirmed the position of Bulgaria that the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is through negotiations based on dialogue and equality.
"A solution to the conflict can only be reached through dialogue and negotiations between equal parties," the Minister said during a meeting at the Foreign Ministry with members of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in Bulgaria.
Svetlan Stoev added that the Bulgarian position is consistent and it is no coincidence that it was touched upon in his introductory statement as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Our Foreign Minister expressed regret for every casualty resulting from the escalation of tensions and welcomed the ceasefire announced on 21 May 2021 to end hostilities between Israel and Hamas. "We believe that the ceasefire should be implemented by all parties, providing humanitarian access to those in need," said Minister Stoev. He pointed out that the Bulgarian position aims at constructiveness in the attempts to find a sustainable solution to the conflict and assured that the topic is actively present on the agenda of the European Union. Thanks were also expressed to the Arab countries that helped achieve the truce.
In his speech, Minister Stoev pointed out that a possible resumption of violence, as well as ongoing unilateral actions, could lead to radicalization among young persons. Restoring the political horizon to a two-state solution remains crucial to strengthening peace in the Middle East.
During the meeting, the Bulgarian side praised the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). It was emphasised that Bulgaria contributes to its budget every year.
The meeting was attended by the heads of Embassies of Palestine, Algeria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Yemen and Libya, as well as a representative of the Moroccan Embassy.