Secretary-General's remarks at press conference [unofficial transcript]

SG: First of all, I would suggest that we should not oversimplify or generalize all the questions. We have many conflict issues which have different backgrounds and reasons and which also require different approaches. While dealing with Kosovo issues and the Georgian situation, I have paid due attention to the background each question has –historical background, political background - therefore this is what we have taken action on this.

Let me briefly comment on my own observation, as well as expectation as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on this Georgian situation. I am encouraged by the general consensus among the parties to resolve this issue through dialogue. The international discussion which will take place tomorrow is a beginning. They should not be seen as the end. It may take time, so we need to have some patience on addressing this issue. In a short time we need to try our best efforts among the parties concerned to restore confidence so that we can establish a good conflict resolution process in the end.

Again, in the longer term, we need to look at how this has impacted all the situations in the region. We need to look at the humanitarian aspect, including displaced persons. We need to look at how we can rebuild the confidence and trust among the parties concerned. The United Nations since 1993 has been engaged in the situation in Georgia through our United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia. The United Nations has gained over 15 years of accumulated experience and know-how in terms of military observation, human rights, policing, humanitarian assistance, displaced persons and good offices. We have been in contact with the authorities of Abkhazia and they also further indicated that the United Nations should also continue to operate in that area. This is a good sign.

We should not be too impatient or in a hurry to have a so-called “quick fix” resolution of this issue. This may take time. In the later stage, we need to look at all these issues in a comprehensive manner after dealing with more practical issues. The United Nations continues to provide the necessary facilitation. I am here to support the international dialogue. I am here to support the role of the European Union and OSCE and the United Nations will continue to engage in this process.

Q: (inaudible)

SG: I have not indicated that we should wait 15 years. We have just begun our consultation and dialogue, very constructive. The accord which was initiated by President Sarkozy of France in his capacity as President of the European Union and [by] President Medvedev of Russia, that has given us a good framework. On the basis of this, we are now going to begin international discussions. It may be very difficult at the first initial stage, but as we progress through this expert, envoy level consultation, I am sure that we will be able to level up this dialogue at a ministerial and higher level. We need to be patient, even though it may take time.