Press encounter upon arrival (unofficial transcript)

SG: As you know, I have just come straight here from Tokyo, Pakistan and Afghanistan and obviously I will discuss developments in the region and particularly Afghanistan and the work the UN is doing there. Iran has been an important player and we have a lot to discuss. Over and above that, the UN has had a broad agenda with Iran. Iran has been very generous at Tokyo, where you made a very generous contribution of 560 million dollars. We have been cooperating with Iran on refugee issues and you have been very generous. The Iranian government has been very generous to Afghan refugees over the years. We have had great cooperation on the fight against drugs, and so we have a lot to talk about. And I'm here also to exchange ideas with the Iranian leadership on developments in the region.

Q: But sir, as you said, you pointed to Iran's important role in the past. What role do you see for Iran in the future of Afghanistan and its reconstruction?

SG: I think what is important is that all the neighbors of Afghanistan and the international community support the interim Afghan government, and the Afghan government once it is fully established. I think we all have to, we share a common objective and that objective is to see a stable, peaceful Afghanistan. Afghanistan that has normal and good relations with its neighbors. Afghanistan that is determined to protect its people and ensure that they can live their lives in peace. And that is in the interest of everyone. And that we will all work for that objective. And I think in that spirit, Iran has a role to play and also in the reconstruction. As I indicated earlier not only has Iran made a major contribution, but I think it can also play a role in reconstruction.

Q: As you know, about an hour ago, the Iraqi Foreign Minister [Dr. Naji Sabri] arrived in Teheran. Have you scheduled to visit him and are you going to speak about the possible US attacks on Iraq in your meeting?

SG: I didn't know the Iraqi minister was here. But I just heard it when I landed. We have no plans to meet and so I wish him a good stay in Teheran. *****