Secretary-General's press encounter

SG: We are at a critical stage of the budget process, and the next 15 days is going to be the critical period, so I decided that it was important for me to be on the ground, to work with the Member States to ensure that we get the budget approved. And there are other things coming up.

Q: Was it on the recommendation of Ambassador Bolton?

SG: Ambassador Bolton? He doesn't run my programme.

Q: Today, he had mentioned to you that…

SG: I did not speak to Bolton, and I, gosh, you know this is a building where people take credit for lots of things, so I am amazed.

Q: Sir, why couldn't make a decision much earlier?

SG: Because I had hoped that things would turn around for the better. I had a series of meetings yesterday, and decided that we still have some difficulties, that our budget is important, it is one of the most important documents for the next two years, and that it is best I postpone my trip, not cancel, and deal with the budget and other pressing issues, and then go to Asia later.

Q: Are you feeling optimistic that you can get it adopted, your budget, by the end of the year?

SG: I hope we do. I think most of the Member States understand the need for the budget.