Press encounter upon arrival at UNHQ, (unofficial transcript)

SG: I've heard the press reports, but I'm waiting to hear formally from the Israeli authorities. My understanding was that Foreign Minister [Shimon] Peres was going to write to me after the Cabinet decision. I haven't received it yet, but I have also heard the press reports that they may not cooperate or need further questions answered. So I'll wait for formal notification from the authorities.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, realistically, how long can you keep this very eminent team waiting, kicking its heels in Geneva, before you have to think about pulling it back?

SG: Obviously, they are not going to be able to remain there indefinitely. But let me also say that they've not been twiddling their fingers. They've been doing some very useful work and people have been talking to them, giving them dispositions and so, in a way, they have already started their work in Geneva, pending their arrival in the region.

Q: Mr. Peres has been on television saying things like, "We just don't need a team," very firmly reacting in that way. How far are you willing to push this so that some team can get ....

SG: It was Mr. Peres who told me that "we have nothing to hide" and the team was welcome. Not just Mr. Peres but also the Defense Minister [Binyamin] Ben Eliezer told me "You are welcome. We have nothing to hide". And of course, they raised some questions as to whether the team has enough military expertise and people with intelligence and counter-terrorism expertise. And we've dealt with that. Peter Fitzgerald is a very experienced man in that area, and he has a team with him. And we've clarified all these things, and I suspect you've seen the letter that the Council discussed yesterday. So we've really done everything to meet them, to deal with their concerns. And I think we've been very forthcoming. Obviously the decision is theirs, and I'm waiting, as I said, to get a formal notification.

Q: Is there any chance that you would send the team even without Israeli approval, or Israeli cooperation?

SG: I would much rather wait to see what the formal communication from the Israeli Government is, have further discussion with the [Security] Council and decide what next to do.

Q: Do you think it would be productive for the Council to adopt a resolution increasing the pressure on the Israelis?

SG: I'm not sure the Council, at this stage, is going to adopt a resolution. But I think, like me, they would want to see the official communication before they decide what the next step should be. Thank you very much.*****