Q: Regarding your upcoming visit to Japan, what would you like to achieve with this visit, and would you ask the Japanese government for any specific assistance regarding Iraq's reconstruction effort -- politically, economically or militarily?

SG: I would hope to have a series of discussions with the Japanese authorities on issues that are of keen interest to both the government and the UN. Obviously, Iraq would be one, we will talk about Afghanistan, we will talk about the UN reform, and Japan's involvement in UN activities. I will talk to them about developments in Iraq, yes. But I think they've already been quite generous with the contribution they made in Madrid for the reconstruction and of course they've also put men on the ground.

Q: Just a quick follow-up on that. Japanese self-defence forces have been on the ground in Iraq. What kind of role do you expect them to play? Is there anything more they can do?

SG: What kind of role? Well, I think the Security Council in its resolutions in setting up the multinational force encouraged governments to participate, in, obviously, reconstruction, humanitarian and also to help establish a secure environment in Iraq. And the role the Japanese is playing will be in consultation with the other allies, with the other troops on the ground and the coalition authorities.

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