Press encounter upon arrival at UNHQ, (unofficial transcript)

SG: As I have said, we are going to be discussing the implementation of Security Council resolutions and we will discuss the return of the inspectors, but obviously there must be something on the minds of the Iraqis that they would also want to put on the table. I would hope that we can spend a considerable amount of time on the return of the inspectors.

Q: Have you been given any guidance or encouragement one way or another from the US in terms of a hoped-for approach on the talks?

SG: The [Security] Council members are hoping that the talks will lead to the return of the inspectors and that the talks will be successful. I have lots of encouragement from the Council.

Q: When are you going to be determining whether to really disband the fact-finding team? What will really make you take this decision and what do you have to bring to the table tomorrow for the "Quartet" meeting?

SG: I think that, on your first question the Council is going to be meeting this morning. I have indicated to them my inclination and I will discuss it further with them. It is also possible that I may get some news from the Israeli side between now and noon when the Council meets, so I will have to see how the Council discussions go. On the meeting in Washington with the "Quartet" I hope we will all have a chance to review where we are and where we go from here and what steps have to be taken to press ahead with the peace issue and I hope in Washington all of us will have the chance to speak frankly and share ideas and decide what happens next. *****