Press encounter upon arrival at Islamabad airport (unofficial transcript)

SG: Well, I personally have been in touch with both countries, also with others, talking to both sides about the need to de-escalate, and I have been very pleased with the statement made by President Musharraf eleven days ago, and I think these are very important statements, and I think this a step in the right direction, and we need to build up on that. And I hope that would also lead to defusing the tensions.

Q: Would you hold any talks about the situation with any of our leaders?

SG: I am not going to India this time. We couldn't coordinate our calendars, but I'll have a chance to discuss it here.

Q: On the Afghanistan situation, what role do you see? Do you think there is a possibility of setting up a commission of the neighboring countries for reconstruction work?

SG: Well, I hope that all the countries -- neighbors and those from other parts of the world-- will cooperate on the reconstruction of Afghanistan. I think we made a good start in Tokyo, where the conference was very well attended, and the pledges were very encouraging, and now we have to get down to business and begin the process of reconstruction. In some situations, we are going to work together. Other governments have indicated they will have bilateral efforts, but whether the efforts are bilateral or joint, I hope it will feed into an Afghan plan which the Afghan administration has endorsed, so that we all focus on a common effort. Thank you very much. *****