Combating information technology crimes

The Republic of Bulgaria recognizing the actions taken by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), such as the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT); and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), is firmly committed to develop ways to stop information technology (IT) crimes. Bulgaria has followed many steps to control IT crimes. For instance we have hosted an international conference on new horizons for intellectual property (IP) in which one of the main focus points was to discuss IP in the internet and electronic commerce. Also, President Parvanov has met several times with Dr. Idris during official visits of WIPO to Bulgaria. We are also members of both the Hague Agreement and the Madrid Agreement and have participated in such events as the workshop on case law in the area of intellectual property organized by the Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office of the European commission. Overall, Bulgaria is committed to developing a framework through bilateral and multilateral cooperation programs and WIPO to promote awareness of the necessity to stop IT crimes.
—Manuel A. Torrealba, Wright State University, 2004.

Patent protection and access to pharmaceuticals

Welcoming the decision of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to remove final patent obstacles to cheap drug imports, Bulgaria reaffirms its commitment to working with the WTO and WIPO in the development of patent protection of IP in the area of pharmaceuticals. We believe that the protection of this type of property is crucial for the development of economic potential and it is a requirement to further develop competitiveness and market success. Bulgaria, in the spirit of promoting patent protection is member of many WIPO related agencies such as: The Regional Industry Property Programme (RIPP), The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), The European Patent Office (EPO), and The European Patent Convention (EPC). Also we have taken part in many working meetings and official visits to promote the development of patent protection, such as: RIPP coordination meetings in the Hague and in Tallin, Estonia; visit to the China Patent Office, in the frame of bilateral cooperation; participation in the conference of the ministers of the WTO; and participation in the meeting of the Administrative Council of the EPO. Bulgaria, seeking further development of current goals of WIPO, invites all Member States to intensify their promotion of IP laws.
—Manuel A. Torrealba, Wright State University, 2004.

Genetic modification and intellectual property rights

Bulgaria guided by WIPO, UPOV, and EPC is focused to protect the new varieties of plants and to ensure the IP rights to the breeders of new varieties and reaffirms the commitment to promoting intellectual property in Bulgaria. We are deeply concerned with genetic modification and the control of the administration of patents for these new technologies. In the spirit of control and collaboration with WIPO, Bulgaria has become a member of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Also, we have expanded the legal protection of plant varieties, a law which applies to created or discovered and developed plant or animal varieties or breeds of any botanical genus and species including clone, line, hybrid, and rootstock irrespective of the method of their production. Legal securities for the Bulgarian law on plant varieties are provided by the Patent Office and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry. The patent office of Bulgaria works closely with the EPO in co-operation programs to further develop the Bulgarian Patent Organization (BPO). We believe this is fundamental to the control of IP rights, the creation of awareness on patent importance, and the better protection of IP technology. Bulgaria will continue to be a leading nation in addressing issues pertaining IP and working closely with WIPO and other member agencies. We believe that it is crucial for the nations of the world to come together and make this a primary issue.
—Manuel A. Torrealba, Wright State University, 2004.

International peace and security in the Middle East

Recalling the United Nations Charter Chapter V Article 23, the Republic of Bulgaria stresses the importance of peace and security in all regions of the world. We support the Security Council’s approach to the prevention and settlement of international disputes as well as the strengthening of peace in post conflict situations. We call attention to the recommendations of the Brahimi Report on reinforcement of the United Nations’ system for the effective deployment of peacekeeping operations. Cognizant of the proliferation of nuclear technologies for non peaceful purposes and the growing threat of nuclear terrorism, we view the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a cornerstone to global nuclear security and are committed to its permanent acquisition. Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is of growing importance and Bulgaria views the IAEA Safeguard System a key element in the international systems of nuclear non-proliferation as stated in NPT/CONF.1995/22. We recall A/RES/39/54 in requesting the establishment of a zone free from all weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Economic sanctions, as coercive measures imposed in conformity with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, should be adjusted for each specific case and we stay committed to enhancing the effectiveness of sanctions. We reaffirm the principle established in GA/RES/2625 (1970) and reiterated in S/RES/1189 (1998), stressing that every State has the duty to refrain from organizing, instigating, assisting or participating in terrorist acts in another State or acquiescing in organized activities within its territory directed towards the commission of such acts, also stated in S/RES/1373(2001). We strongly encourage that States become parties to the relevant international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism, including the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism of 1999. We expect all States to cooperate with efforts to deter and prosecute the sponsors and organizers of terrorist actions, as well as the terrorist themselves as stated in S/RES/1516 (2003). We welcome the establishment of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee and will continue to play an active role in its work. Reiterating SC/7982, we note with deep concern the underlying sources of terrorism, such as poverty, religious conflicts and human rights violations. Attention must also be called to the role illicit drugs and transnational crime organizations play in terrorist activities. With growing concerns over the tensions in the Middle East, Bulgaria supports the Quartet Performance Based Road Map to a Permanent Two State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (S/2003/529). We emphasize Israel’s right to self-defense and persuade them to do so within the parameters of international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, and call upon the Palestinian Authority to do everything in its power to prevent the killing of innocent civilians. Pursuant to S/RES/1515 (2003), we acknowledge the growing need to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace throughout the Middle East, including Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese relations. We endorse the five pillars of an Arab knowledge society outlined in the Arab Human Development Report (2003) and will continue to give support in the social and economic development of Arab States. In regard to the situation in Iraq, we recall S/RES/1483 (2003), and encourage efforts by the people of Iraq to form a representative government based on the rule of law that affords equal rights and justice to all Iraqi citizens without regard to ethnicity, religion, or gender. We recognize all State’s sovereign authority and respect their rights of self-defense, however we underscore the importance of multilateral cooperation and collective solutions to international disputes. We further invite States to utilize the UN and the SC as a way of maintaining peace and security as stated in Chapter I Article 1 of the Charter.
—Chris Carlisle, Wright State University, 2004.

Sanctions and enforcement

Recalling Chapter VII, Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations, The Republic of Bulgaria supports the imposition of sanctions by the Security Council (SC) as the means of enforcing the decisions of this body without military force. Bulgaria emphasizes its complete cooperation with all sanctions imposed by this body as testament to our commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security, as illustrated by our compliance with S/RES/1284 (1999) and S/RES/1483 (2003). While the Bulgarian Government actively supports the use of sanctions and restrictions, we believe it necessary to evaluate sanctions and restrictions in place to reveal their effectiveness as outlined in A/52/162, and to assess the detriment sanctions can have on marginalized civilian populations. To address the humanitarian situation that arises within states under restrictions Bulgaria believes it necessary to have non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working with civilian communities to facilitate the dispersion of aid. The Government of Bulgaria also stresses the need for provisions to Third-Party States (TPS) affected by sanctions. Bulgaria thus affirms the efforts to aid beleaguered TPS in A/53/312, A/RES/53/107, the statement by the President of the European Union on 18/3/2002, and the efforts of the Security Council Working Group on Sanctions.
—James Alton Croker III, Wright State University, 2004.

Nuclear materials security

In accordance with the efforts to establish nuclear free zones in A/RES/58/49 and A/RES/58/34, the efforts to control nuclear fissionable materials in A/RES/58/57, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Republic of Bulgaria voices its support for attempts to curb the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Bulgarian Government also affirms the right of states to develop and maintain nuclear energy programs for peaceful purposes and under the jurisdiction of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Bulgaria also urges the SC to remain seized upon the matter of black-market trade of nuclear weapons and materials to prevent their acquisition by terrorist groups.
—James Alton Croker III, Wright State University, 2004.

Peacemaking and nation building

Bulgaria firmly believes that the peacemaking and nation building efforts of the SC are paramount to the efforts to achieve global peace and security as was stated in our Candidature for an Non-permanent Seat on the SC (2001). The Government of Bulgaria supports and involves itself in SC peacekeeping initiatives through the dispatching of troops to serve as peacekeepers and we have increased our contribution to the general fund. Bulgaria affirms the relevance of cultural differences in re-construction efforts as integral to creating a situation conducive to the development of a newly reformed state as expressed in S/RES/1491 (2003), S/RES/1444 (2002), and S/RES/1510 (2003), S/RES/1511 (2003). The Bulgarian Government encourages the continued presence of NGOs in states under re-construction to assure the attention to humanitarian issues. Bulgaria also affirms attempts to secure peace through efforts to combat terrorism as outlined in S/RES/1455 (2003), S/RES/1456 (2003), and S/RES/1516 (2003), and to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons as identified in S/RES/1467 (2003). Bulgaria encourages the SC to remain seized upon these matters.
—James Alton Croker III, Wright State University, 2004.

Nuclear free zones

Recalling the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and A/RES/55/33, the Republic of Bulgaria believes that the establishment of Nuclear Free Zones plays a crucial part in creating regional and global peace and security. We would like to commend the Treaties of Tlatelolco, Rarotonga, Bangkok, Pelindaba and the Almaty Declaration as documents that are crucial to the creation of a world free from nuclear weapons. We applaud A/RES/48/82, A/RES/49/82, and A/RES/52/44 in their attempt to create the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace. Bulgaria also supports the creation of a Nuclear-Weapon Free Zone in South Asia as called for in A/RES/39/55. We also believe in upholding the sanctity of the Outer Space Treaty and the Antarctic Treaty. While we support and welcome the establishment of nuclear free zones we believe that, at this time, it would not behoove Central and Eastern Europe to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone, and we should maintain the current balance of power in Europe.
—Danielle Clifton, Wright State University, 2004.

Implications of the struggle against terrorism on human rights

Recalling the United Nations Charter and the Vienna Declaration the Republic of Bulgaria strongly believes that human rights violations are one of the main causes of conflict and instability in the world. As stated in A/RES/52/133 and A/RES/48/122 we condemn all forms of terrorism, believing terrorism destroys its victim’s basic human rights. Recalling A/RES/54/164, we are alarmed by the number of human rights violations committed by acts of terrorism, and upholding E/CN.4/1997/27 and E/CN.4/2001/18 we believe that terrorism in any form is unjustifiable for any reason. In accordance with Article 55 of the United Nations Charter we believe that all individuals are entitled to basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, free from fear of terrorism, and citing A/RES/56/158, we firmly support the preservation of human rights and believe it is important to note that actions taken to combat terrorism should not lead to the deterioration of human rights. Recalling A/RES/57/219 and A/RES/50/186, particularly that all States are under the obligation to protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, Bulgaria strongly supports any State that promotes human rights and is willing to aid developing democracies. In keeping with A/RES/56/160, we see the need to increase cooperation within the international community in fighting terrorism and promoting human rights, and we call upon all Member States to join us in this effort. Bulgaria urges all Member States to increase efforts to abolish terrorism and promote human rights.
—Danielle Clifton, Wright State University, 2004.

The effects of HIV/AIDS on peace and security

Citing human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as one of the most economic and socially destabilizing factors in the world and recognizing the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, the Republic of Bulgaria believes that measures to prevent this epidemic are paramount to success in defeating it. We believe that prevention would best take place through the development of national policies on HIV/AIDS as well as mainstreaming HIV/AIDS prevention. We firmly believe that education is one of the prime ways to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, especially the education of women. Recognizing the importance of E/CN.4/1997/52, we recognize the benefits of establishing a National Plan of Action as called for in E/CN.4/1997/150. Recalling E/CN.4/1997/37, E/CN.4/1999/49, and E/CN.4/1999/76 we believe that it is a wise and effective course of action to combat HIV/AIDS by strengthening human rights and supports all guidelines that attempt to combine the issue of human rights with HIV/AIDS policy. Recalling A/RES/54/283 and E/CN.4/1996/47 we view HIV/AIDS epidemic detrimental to human, social, and economic progress and see need for further consideration of the problem.
—Danielle Clifton, Wright State University, 2004.

Rights of female refugees

The Republic of Bulgaria is firmly committed to upholding the rights of refugees, especially females, as stated in Article 3 of the Law on Social Relief, 1998. We, with the help of Western Europe, and in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, are involved in setting up Refugee Women Councils in order to support their integration into nearby communities. As declared at the Reach Out Workshop in 2001, women make up the majority of refugees in Bulgaria. Bulgaria believes that there must be a specific program for refugee women who are the victims of domestic abuse, and we propose the first step in dealing with the problem, as stated at the Reach Out Workshop should be to review current protection activities specifically dealing with women refugees. Bulgaria urges Member States to work with organizations such as the Kosovo Women’s Initiative helping refugee women and their families to rebuild their lives.
—Taryn Frederick, Wright State University, 2004.

Right to decent standard of living

As a member of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Bulgaria fully supports the Strategy for a Sustainable Quality of Life endorsed at the Ministerial Conference in 2000. As stated in ECE/AC.25/2004/4, we encourage the promotion of a system of government that responds to the necessities of local communities, in a need to improve upon the standard of living. To do this, Member States must ensure human rights as stated in the Economic Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). We continue to work with the ECRI to develop better human rights policies such as the adoption of the Framework Programme for Equal Integration of Roma in Bulgaria, which contains strategies for achieving equality for Roma in Bulgaria.
—Taryn Frederick, Wright State University, 2004.

Food security through international co-operation

The Republic of Bulgaria completely supports the Right to Food as stated in A/C.3/58/L.70. We encourage all Member States to take measures in eliminating world hunger by providing funding to fulfill the goal of halving the population who suffers from hunger, by 2015, as called for in the Millennium Development Goals. We are concerned that the reduction rate of the number of undernourished people is lower than the goals set at the Rome Declaration of 1996 and are currently working to improve agriculture on a state level with groups such as World Bank and encourage other States to do the same in efforts to eradicate world hunger on a local level.
—Taryn Frederick, Wright State University, 2004.

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