The security challenges require strong and unified approach
13 November 2014 News
Today, the threats to peace and stability differ from those NATO was facing 60 years ago at the time of its establishment. They have also faced a significant increase over the years including security challenges such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, piracy, cyber attacks, hybrid wars, energy crises and others. The established post-Cold War fragile balance in the relations between the actors was impaired, further challenging the international order in different ways and in different directions, said Minister Daniel Mitov in his speech at the official opening of the annual security conference, held on 13-14 November in Sofia. Organizers of the event are the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Sofia Security Forum.
On one hand, the aggressive actions of Russia to the east of Ukraine are trying to rewrite the international rules and to establish a sphere of influence. On the other hand, the extremist groups to the South use brute force to assert their authority in the territories under their control, said the Foreign Minister. In his words, in this complex environment, Bulgaria and its partners have a common and difficult task - to remain strong, united and ready to deal with this set of challenges in the security field.
According to Minister Mitov the strategic and geopolitical consequences of the crisis in Ukraine will have an impact on the development of the relations with Russia and will likely lead to fundamental changes in the current and future European security architecture. Furthermore, the future European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes and the implementation of the membership criteria by the Black Sea countries should take into account the fact that the region is the focal point of many interests. The joint naval, land and air exercises in the region will help to increase the interoperability while ensuring the capabilities for rapid response in the event of potential crises, the Foreign Minister said.
Minister Daniel Mitov focused also on the serious and immediate threat to the security of the Alliance resulting from the expansion of the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. The complex nature of the challenges and the threats require a comprehensive international response and an inclusive approach, he pointed out.
As an important tool to deal with terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Minister Mitov pointed Resolution 2178 of the UN Security Council of 24 September. Bulgaria is already taking the necessary measures for its effective implementation, and we hope that the process of strengthening the national legislation will start in the shortest possible time, he said.
Regardless the many challenges we face, the belief in the shared values such as individual freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law must be preserved, said in conclusion the Foreign Minister. As part of a community of liberal democracies, we have to take bold steps and effective policies to enable our successful adaptation to the changed geo-strategic environment, he added.
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