NEWS

“A stable peace cannot be achieved through military means. A solution to the crisis in Ukraine can be achieved only if the country’s rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity are observed.” This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said at the top-level meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission held in Wales.  The Bulgarian Head of State is on a two-day visit in the United Kingdom to take part in the NATO summit.

 

In his statement made at the forum, the Head of State welcomed the direct top-level negotiations held between Ukraine and Russia and emphasized that the Ukrainian crisis “has had a serious impact on the agenda of the North-Atlantic Alliance.”

 

The international community’s support at this very difficult moment is of key importance for Ukraine, the President further said. Rosen Plevneliev was adamant that NATO will continue to participate in the process of stabilizing Ukraine and will provide support for the development of the country’s Security and Defense sectors by implementing programmes for building its defense capacity. 

 

“Another important step is today’s announcement of the Alliance’s contribution to creating funds for providing financial assistance to Ukraine,” the Head of State pointed out. 

 

Rosen Plevneliev reiterated Bulgaria’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. “We have not recognized and will not recognize the annexation of Crimea,” the President emphasized and called on Russia to take steps to de-escalate tension and observe the commitments made in Geneva and Berlin and to refrain from aggressive actions against Ukraine.

 

The President emphasized in his statement that the conflict in Ukraine is not only to control territories, energy resources and to achieve geopolitical superiority, but also to ensure the right to democratic development and the right of the Ukrainian people to alone decide their path of development. “Only the Ukrainian people have the right to choose how to live and decide their future,” the Bulgarian Head of State further said.

 

Bulgaria provides assistance for the medical rehabilitation of injured Ukrainian soldiers and assists the process of reforms in the country, the Head of State’s words further made it clear. Bulgaria has already extended the term of office of its military advisor at the NATO office in Kiev. 

 

“Ukraine’s future lies in ensuring a close cooperation with the European Union and NATO. The Signature of the Association Agreement with the EU and Ukraine’s contribution to NATO’s initiatives are important steps in this direction,” President Rosen Plevneliev further said.