“It is high time to fight causes rather than aftermaths of crises.” That is what Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said in his address before the UN General Assembly in New York, the press office of the Bulgarian head of stated announced.

“Now is the time to outline the path forward. “Strong UN. Better World.” This is the motto of this 70th anniversary. But if today we are stronger as a community? Whether we build a better world for our children?” President Plevneliev asked.

“We live in turbulent times. Number of crises around the world is a record high. The situation is even more unpredictable because of their interactions. Failed states, frozen conflicts, wars and terrorism create uncertainty about Europe. Citizens feel that instability. They expect politicians to act boldly, to solve not to deepen the crisis,” the Bulgarian President said during the jubilee 70th session of the General Assembly of the world organization.

“Raging conflicts in Syria, in the Middle East and in North Africa threaten the lives of millions of people. Growing extremism, which does not recognize borders, is a serious challenge to the international community. The deteriorating humanitarian situation in several conflict areas, is forcing millions of people to leave their homes, to pack their life in a suitcase and take on the dangerous and sometimes deadly path to salvation.

Hundreds of thousands of people stand on the threshold of Europe, reached out for help, fighting for their right to life. As a result, nationalist parties, which are fed by fears of people, take advantage of the situation. The language of hatred, racism, xenophobia, aggressive nationalism, populism is gaining pace again,” the head of state warned in his speech.

“The time has come for a woman from Eastern Europe to be appointed at the top of the UN Secretariat.” Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said further in his address before the UN General Assembly in New York.

President Rosen Plevneliev stressed in his speech before the General Assembly of the United Nations, that among the eight former Secretaries-General of the United Nations, all of which men there has never been a representative from the Eastern European regional group. “Recently adopted Resolution 69/321 by the UN General Assembly stressed the need in the election of the Secretary-General to ensure equitable and fair distribution based on gender balance and geographical feature, and at the same time to meet the highest requirements,” the head of state said.

“The time has come the highest post in the UN Secretariat to be entrusted to a woman from Eastern Europe. Once, as provided in the resolution be circulated joint letter from the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Union and thus begin the process of selecting candidates, Bulgaria will be ready to nominate the candidate who is best suited for the post. This will be the person with exceptional qualities, with vast experience in international relations, with great interpersonal skills, effective manager and communicator, a true leader,” President Rosen Plevneliev said further.

“Annexation of the Crimea was a gross violation of international law and its principles. Bulgaria stands firmly behind the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Crimea is Ukraine for us, and Ukraine is Europe,” President Rosen Plevneliev said before the UN General Assembly.

“My country condemns all attempts to further destabilisation of Ukraine. Full implementation of Minsk agreements is essential,” the head of state added.

“We urge all affected countries to engage in constructive political dialogue in order to achieve a just political solution,” Rosen Plevneliev said.