Secretary-General's press encounter following meeting with Latin American Group (unofficial transcript)

SG: No, that is not what we discussed. We basically discussed the humanitarian situation and the efforts that are being made by the United Nations, and of course there were also questions about post-conflict Iraq. We briefed them on our efforts to get assistance to Iraq, wherever we can, but this would depend on means and access. Wherever we have access, we will try and reach the needy and we will do cross-border and cross-line operations.

We have also discussed this question of post-conflict and what the UN will do. I think it is obvious that the UN will play an important role in post-conflict Iraq. The exact nature and extent of that role is being discussed now among the members, but the UN has had quite a lot of experience with situations like this, and I hope the members will rally in trying to assist the people of Iraq, and Iraq. However this war ends, we will be ready to play our part.

Q: Sir, were there any offers of commitments from the Latin American countries in the meeting?

SG: They support what we are trying to do, and obviously we just launched an appeal on Friday, so governments obviously need to organize themselves to make contributions, and the Rio Group indicated their support for what we are trying to do to help the people of Iraq.