Press encounter with the Secretary-General at the Security Council stakeout

Q: You heard Mr. Hoshyar Zebari's criticism of the United Nations and his invitation to you to come back to Iraq would improve security. I would like to have your reaction on that. And do you feel the Iraqis are asking you to come back to take part in the immediate political process, or is it a long term process?

SG: No, I think my report makes it quite clear, and also in my statement today, for the longer term, I think the issue is less problematic. But if they want us to play a role in the immediate transition arrangements, I think there has to be clarity as to exactly what they would want the UN to do. And in fact that question came up in the discussions this morning with the Council. And I will be seeing the Minister myself this afternoon and I hope we will have the chance to discuss.

Q: My questions actually is, if they guarantee you improved security, would you consider going back earlier or is it a matter of dealing with an occupation authority that is also problematic?

SG: I think we have made it clear that once the security situation improves, we will be ready to return in larger numbers and that has always been our position. And I think the Council itself recognize that by indicating when the circumstances permit, we can go….

Q: …..before the end of occupation…..

SG: We have lots of work to do, we have lots of work of work to do to help the Iraqi people. We have lots of work to do in the area of humanitarian re-construction and the political process. And so we are ready.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, you indicated that there may not be time to organize this whole thing in six months. Is that criticism of the American and the Iraqi Governing Council plan?

SG: No, it is not a criticism at all. It's an evaluation of the situation on the ground and what needs to be done for one to organize that kind of election for it to be inclusive, transparent and fair. And of course if you can do that, one is considering other methods, and even on the other methods, I gave indications or comments as to how I think it should proceed in addition to being inclusive and transparent. Certain measures have to be taken for it to be seen as fair and accepted by the people…

Q: Do you hope to do that in six months?

SG: The other process, yes.

Q: The Americans went to war initially without a resolution from the Security Council, then they came back to the Security Council for further resolutions. In terms of multilateralism and unilateralism in Iraq, where do you think the Americans stand today?

SG: I think it is clear that if we are going to be able to stabilize Iraq, we all need to work together and we need to rebuild international consensus. And my sense is that the Administration in Washington would like to see the international community come together to work to stabilize Iraq, and help build normal society in Iraq, and develop an Iraq which would be at peace with itself and with its neighbours. So I think there is an openness there. There may be certain quarters which are not ready for that, but I think, broadly speaking, the Administration is looking in that direction.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, do you believe that the United States and other western countries are concerned that in the trial, Saddam Hussein would reveal details about the past relationship that they had over the years and that that might endanger a trial coming about.

SG: Well, I haven't given much thought to that.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, the capture of Saddam offered a new opportunity. How do you read the capture of Saddam as changing the landscape, diplomatically or politically?

SG: As I indicated yesterday, I'm not sure that his capture as such is going to have an immediate impact on the military situation, but it has removed a shadow which he has cast over the situation.

Q: But politically and diplomatically….

SG: ….well, I think if you refer to it politically and diplomatically, I think you saw the reactions from governments around the world and hopefully it does offer an opportunity for governments to come together and to look forward as to how we work together to stabilize Iraq. There may be a new opportunity here, but it depends on how it is exploited by all concerned –to mend fences, heal wounds and move forward.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. Zebari said that the United Nations had failed Iraq. Can you comment on that?

SG: I think obviously that's an opinion that he's entitled to. I don't want to critique his speech. There are fifteen members of the Council in the room when he was saying this and I am sure they will have time to talk about that. I think that the UN has done as much as it can for Iraq and we are prepared to do more. I think this is not time to pin blame and point fingers, when everybody is trying to figure out how creatively we can organize ourselves to help the Iraqis. So quite honestly, I don't think today is the time to hurl accusations and counter-accusations. We should look forward and work together.

Thank-you.