Press encounter with Elmo of Sesame Street, (unofficial transcript)

SG: I think it is wonderful to be able to reach the young, and reach them very early, and try to give them the spirit of the UN - a spirit of understanding, sharing and working together,

[Interruption by Elmo]

Elmo: and love...

SG: ...and love, and peace. So you remember when we did it all together when you were fighting?

Elmo: Yeh.

SG: That was making peace, wasn't that wonderful?

Elmo: It's always wonderful.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, do you think kids in the U.S. know who you are?

SG: Some of them know, some of them know who I am, and I hope many more are going to know me. You will tell your friends about me?

Elmo: Of course. He's going to be on Sesame Street. They will know.

Q: I have a question if I could, for Elmo. What do you think are the biggest problems in the world now, and how do you think the Secretary-General can help solve those problems?

Elmo: Well, what we were talking about. The Secretary-General can go around and give love, isn't that right?

Q: I think love solves lots of problems.

Elmo: A lot of problems.

SG: And when we do things together, and we like each other...

Elmo: ...and respect each other.

SG: It is very important, and understand each other.

Elmo: Yeh. [bell rings]

Elmo: Hello! [laughter]

SG: You are smart you know?

Elmo: Well, Elmo is okay. Elmo learned a lot from Big Bird.

SG: Do you want to come and work with me at the United Nations and make peace?

Elmo: Oh Elmo would love to! What would Elmo do?

[laughter]

SG: I think I would take you on some of the peace negotiations when people are fighting. And get them to make peace.

Elmo: Can Elmo wear a tie like that?

SG: Well, yeh, it would help.

Elmo: Okay. Can Elmo win a Nobel Peace Prize too?

SG: If you make lots of peace, and you work hard, and you get people to love each other, you will get a big Nobel peace prize.

Elmo: How long would that take, two days?

SG: It takes a little longer than that, but I know you are capable - you are smart, you are hardworking and you will make it.

Elmo: Well, Elmo tries.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, how important do you think it is for kids to know what's going on in the world? The war, terrorism?

SG: I think it is important for kids to know what is going on in the world, but we have to explain it to them. We have to get them to understand why these terrible things are happening, and what we have to do to avoid them, and be sensitive to what we should teach them, so that when they grow up they don't make some of the mistakes that we all consider are abominable and awful behaviour.

Elmo: Like what happened on September 11th?

SG: Absolutely.

Elmo: It was really scary for Elmo, 'cos he kept seeing it over and over again on TV.

SG: Could you sleep, or you couldn't sleep?

Elmo: No.

SG: All of us have problems, but now we are trying to do something about it.

Elmo: And that's a very good thing.

Q: Are you a big believer in group hugs? [laughter]

SG: You know, there lots of moments when hugs help a lot. When you are out of words and you don't know what to do, and you want to reach out to someone, a hug is the biggest thing you can give. Give him a hug, give him a kiss, shake hands, and it helps. You have noticed, everybody is hugging everybody since this incident. Have you been hugging lots of people?

Elmo: A lot of people. A lot of Elmo's friends all over the world.

Q: What do you think the diplomats and some of the big people in the world can learn from someone like Elmo and his friends?

SG: I think there is a child in each and every one of us. Sometimes I say that is the most charming part of us. And we sometimes forget it. Elmo and his friends will tell us - it's the way they are - they tell it straight. There is innocence, there is purity, there is laughter, and it is very important for us. Keep it simple and it brings you back to earth. I think that is very very important, we all need that.

Elmo: I need love.

SG: You are right. If you love your neighbour you don't quarrel.

Elmo: So, where are you going to put your trophy?

SG: Ah! I think you should come to my house and tell me where to put it, or you can come to my office since you are going to work with me.

Elmo: Elmo thinks you should put it right at the foot of your bed, so every time you get up you can see it. But you have to ask your wife if that's okay.

SG: You met her?

Elmo: Yes, she is very sweet. She likes light blue, doesn't she?

SG: Yes, she does like blue.

Elmo: You come back and visit okay?

SG: I will come and visit.

Elmo: Thank you very much.

SG: And remember what I have been telling you all day? All the things I have taught you, you will remember?

Elmo: Yeh.

SG: And you will share with your other friends?

Elmo: Of course.

SG: Say "hello" to them for me.

Elmo: Okay. Thank you.

SG: Bye.

Elmo: Bye. *****