Secretary-General's press encounter with Prime Minister Costas Simitas of Greece (unofficial transcript)

SG: Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening.

As you heard from the Prime Minister, we have had a very good discussion. But let me first start by thanking and congratulating the Prime Minister for the wonderful Summit that he and his Government have organized here. I think today I heard the word “historic” so many times. Sometimes when one uses it, it's perhaps more for the form than anything else. But today was really historical to see the European expansion managed and take place so smoothly here in Athens and to see the European dream of a common European home come into life was for all of us an exciting period in history. We should be grateful that we have been a part of it. And I want to congratulate you and I can assure you that all the leaders that I spoke to were extremely impressed by the way you and your Government have organized this meeting.

On Cyprus, as I indicated this morning, it was an opportunity missed and I hope, as the Prime Minister has indicated, efforts will be made to continue its search for a peaceful solution, a search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. And I think it can be done. There is a basis if both parties agree to work on the basis of the plan we put forward. Obviously it doesn't mean that they cannot make changes to it, if the two of them were to agree. But it does require collective will, a sustained political will to move forward. And I hope this will be forthcoming.

On Iraq, as the Prime Minister said, not only did we go over the issues confronting the international community, the need to heal the divisions which have emerged and the necessity for all of us to come together to help the people of Iraq rebuild their nation and eventually join the family of nations. We would all want to see normalcy return to Iraq. And, of course, in doing that, one would also want to work with the leaders of the countries in the region.

Discussions are going on in many capitals and at the UN Security Council and I am hopeful that in the not-too-distant future the members will find an understanding and a way forward on how we all jointly work together in post-conflict Iraq.

We also shared, exchanged ideas on the Middle East and particularly on the road map and the need for us to work with the parties in a sustained and determined manner for the implementation of the road map. Of course, the major responsibility and effort has to come from the parties. But the international community in the form of the quartet and the neighbours in the region are all determined to support this effort. And I believe that if the two parties work together and march forward together not trying to set conditions for each other before they move forward, but really open up and reach out for peace we can do this and I hope that is what will happen.

Let me also finally thank you Mr. Prime Minister for the great support that you have given to the UN and to me personally, and the support that we've received from the EU, the appreciation the EU has shown for the UN role, and the understanding that it is a unique global organization that we all need and should take steps to strengthen rather than weaken.

Thank you very much.

Q: I should like to ask the UN Secretary-General. Sir, should the Greek side remain set within the framework of the UN for the solution of the Cyprus question and considers your plan as a basis for a solution. The Turkish side has made statements towards a different direction suggesting a solution on a bilateral basis. I should like to ask you as the Secretary General of the UN, if you would be willing to undertake an initiative to revive the efforts on the basis of your plan or do you consider that it is up to the two sides to proceed to that direction.

SG: As you know, the United Nations has worked with the parties for many years and since 1999 we have been engaged in an intensive effort to try and move the process forward. And our dream, until recently, was that we would have had a united Cyprus signing the accession treaty here in Athens. That did not happen. It didn't happen because I didn't think we had the relevant political will. And I have made it clear and have encouraged the parties that my proposal is still on the table. They should accept it as a basis for negotiations, as a basis for settlement and try and move forward in search of an agreement. And as I indicated earlier, this does not mean that the two cannot agree to make some modifications or adjustments to the plan, provided the two of them agree.

As to your question whether the UN or I would be prepared to get involved, I think I did say when we broke up in The Hague, and I will repeat it here, if there is a determined will, and I sense a real determined will and change of heart to move forward, I will do whatever I can to assist.