Press encounter at Security Council stakeout

SG: Well, I think the parties have signed an agreement and they seem determined to make it work. And if they are, we support the agreement and we would want to work with them. We would do whatever we can to support them, but at the end of the day it is their determination and their will that is going to make the difference. And they have given indications that they are serious, that this is different from other agreements, and we are very pleased about that, and we are going to work with them.

Q: Just one more question on Iraq. The Iraqi President has said that he wants the Security Council to answer the nineteen questions that he put earlier this year. The Council has not done this so far. Do you see any change in his position from this latest speech?

SG: No, I think the questions are the same. I don't see any change in attitude. As you know I wrote to them two days ago. I have not got a formal response yet. But I think the President's statement, insisting on answers to the nineteen questions, doesn't show any flexibility from their previous position.

Q: So this doesn't make you too optimistic that we are any further along?

SG: Not at this stage. Unless there are unforeseen developments, but at this stage, no.

Q: Sir, could you tell us about what Libya has asked to meet with you today, the Libyan Ambassador?

SG: I have to see him first, I don't know.