Press encounter with German Federal Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping, (unofficial transcript)

SG: I have had a very, very good meeting with the Minister, where we have discussed issues of common interest. As you can imagine, we did talk about the Balkans, we talked about Afghanistan, we discussed UN peacekeeping and how it can be strengthened, and the German contributions and participation in all these operations. And I also had the opportunity of thanking the Minister for the role German troops play in these operations. We work with them in many parts of the world, and when I was in [Afghanistan] last month I went to ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] Headquarters, and I can assure you that the ISAF troops are doing a very important and essential work. So, thank you very much, Minister, for the well-trained soldiers you've made available for these operations.

Defence Minister: If you agree, I will say it in English so that it's easier to understand for a good old friend like Kofi Annan. I assured the Secretary-General that Germany is ready and decided to support the United Nations, as far as the United Nations are concerned as an institution, because it's indispensable for international law and international stability and security.

That is why Germany is ready to support the United Nations, also by deploying armed forces, as we do it in [the former Yugoslav Republic of] Macedonia, in Kosovo, in Bosnia, and in Afghanistan, and in some other places on the globe. I hope that I could make understandable that in the process of reforming the German Bundeswehr, our capacities are limited and we are doing, I guess, more than many, many citizens in Germany ever expected on the one hand, and that is also with respect and compliments to the members of German armed forces, who are doing their job, as you said, Kofi, in an excellent way and you can be sure that, in that framework of United Nations and international engagements, and with that size, you can count on us in the future too.

SG: Thank you very, very much.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, are you a little bit disappointed that Germany won't be the next lead nation in Afghanistan?

SG: The issue of the lead nation is on the table and is being discussed between capitals and I am also discussing it with other governments. Germany has explained to me why they are not in a position to do that, so I presume the search will have to go on.

Q: But it would have been the best solution for you, Germany as the lead nation?

SG: Well, I would have welcomed it if it were possible. If it were possible. Thank you very much. *****