Press encounter with members of the Young Journalists Club (unofficial transcript)

SG: I think human rights is important to all nations and I have been following developments here very closely. I have been quite impressed with the way elections have been organized, and how the population have had the chance to express themselves and to indicate their choices. And what has been remarkable is the percentage of people who participated in these elections, particularly young people and women. And I think that is an important first step. And I have also noted increasing willingness of people to express themselves, as greater freedom of expression, which is very important and I think we should encourage, and vibrant civil society is developing, which is all very, very positive.

Q: What has been the result of your meetings with the senior government officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran?

SG: We had very good discussions and they have indicated full support for the UN's activities in Afghanistan and support for the new Interim Administration. And they would want to support a stable government in Afghanistan. Iran is going to play an important role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. As you know, they made a major contribution at the pledging conference in Tokyo, $560 million and that was an important and welcome contribution.

Q: Thank you very much. *****