site.btaPresident Plevneliev Addresses Forum on Global Conflicts in Munich

President Plevneliev Addresses Forum on Global Conflicts in Munich

Munich/Sofia, February 12 (BTA) - Addressing the "Global Conflicts and Shared Responsibilities" forum in Munich on Friday, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said, as quoted by his press secretariat, that the European countries cannot hope to remain islands of stability by isolating themselves from the conflicts around them. "The dynamic changes around us require joint efforts in the search for common approaches and solutions," he added.

The Bulgarian head of State is on a working visit to Germany in relation to the 52nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 12 and 13.

Plevneliev outlined as main challenges facing the international community the fight against terrorism, the conflict in Syria and the increased migration pressure, and underscored the need of joint actions not only within the EU but also in the UN.

Plevneliev was adamant that the attention of the state and international institutions should focus on the early identification of crisis situations and on the elaboration of mechanisms for their prevention. "Unfortunately, we are still witnessing more debates and less sustainable solutions," he noted. According to the head of State, the numerous crises and conflicts across the world prove again the need of reforming the Security Council. "It is very important to enhance the mechanisms for dialogue between the permanent representatives of the Security Council and the different regional forces, which would allow fast decision-making and not allowing the escalation of a given crisis. Obviously, legitimate institutions, such as the Security Council, need more efficiency in their operation," Plevneliev commented.

The President said further that the efforts to elaborate a common policy of the EU regarding the migration pressure, made by the Dutch Presidency in the first half of 2016, give hopes and "fragile optimism" for the achievement of specific results. "I strongly hope that all EU member states have realized that we need solidarity to resolve this issue," said Plevneliev. This, however, does not suspend the responsibility of the separate member states for guarding the EU external borders, he said and urged for even closer cooperation with Syria's neighbours, which sustain the main burden of receiving the refugees of the conflicts in the Middle East.