BULGARIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUES STATEMENT IN

UNCLAS SOFIA 001170 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPKO KPAO UN UNSC BU SUBJECT: BULGARIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF UNSCR 1701 REF: SOFIA 1165 ¶1. (U) Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the following public statement supporting UNSCR 1701 on August 16: Begin text of unofficial translation: Bulgaria supports unanimously-adopted UN Security Council Resolution 1701 which calls for a full cessation of hostilities, deployment of the Lebanese security forces together with UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon and, in parallel, withdrawal of the Israeli army from the southern part of the country. Of particular importance now is for the parties to the conflict to make efforts to comply with the full range of measures provided for in the resolution. The strict implementation of the principles and elements set forth in the document, on the basis of which a settlement of the conflict can be achieved, is a key prerequisite for the achievement of stability, security, and durable peace in the region. Responding to the appeal contained in Resolution 1701 and in coordination with its partners in the European Union and NATO, Bulgaria is contemplating possibilities of extending assistance to overcome the severe humanitarian crisis. End translation. ¶2. (SBU) We continue to follow up at all levels of the GOB regarding specifics of their assistance, including possible force contribution to UNIFIL. KARAGIANNIS