Secretary-General's press encounter outside the ECOSOC Chamber (unofficial transcript)

SG: Well, I think the (Security) Council will be discussing the resolution. They haven't had a chance to see it yet. So let's wait to see what eventually emerges from the Council.

Q: Could the inspectors go in even though there's no new resolution?

SG: I think Mr. Blix, as of today, has to work on the basis of existing resolutions. Of course if the Council were to give fresh guidelines, he will have to adjust and modify his approach.

Q: Were you satisfied to read that you were brought into the process writing this resolution, or were you brought in at all really to the formation of some of these ideas?

SG: I think several governments got together to put forward some proposals which they are discussing in capitals and the entire Council is going to discuss. So I think we should wait and see what emerges out of the Council.

Q: How would you describe to people who don't work or live here -- they listen to all the rhetoric from Baghdad, from Washington, and you know the UN obviously very well -- what is going to happen over the next weeks with the Security Council and the Permanent Five? Do you think everyone will get together or will there be different sides?

SG: I expect them to get together. I expect them to work this out and come up with an acceptable resolution.