Secretary-General's press encounter with Reuters upon arrival at UNHQ (unofficial transcript)

SG: No, not directly, not directly. But I think we'd probably have a reaction once there has been a final decision. And we are all hoping that it would be sometime tomorrow.

Q: Do you have any reason for optimism, or do you have any indication of how Baghdad will react once the [Security] Council, if it does, pass the text of the resolution?

SG: We've been getting different signals. I mean, they had indicated to cooperate and they have raised some questions. And again I think we will have to see the resolution passed and to have the inspectors return and see what happens on the ground.

Q: And you hope that this could avoid a US-led military strike?

SG: I think for the Council the issue is disarmament. If Iraq cooperates and the inspectors can get that work done, I think the Council will be less inclined to think in terms of military action.