SG: Good morning. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
It's a wonderful award. We are extremely pleased, particularly coming as it does, at this time when we are tacking some very difficult issues around the world. In my kind of work, you don't get this kind of news every day. And usually when the phone rings early in the morning, it's some bad news somewhere around the world. And I think this is going to be a great encouragement for me, personally, and for all my colleagues at the United Nations. And we look forward to pressing ahead.
Q: Is this a prize that [inaudible] the future of the UN's position?
SG: I think it's a prize that honours the UN, but also challenges us -- challenges us to do more and to do better, not to rest on our laurels. And I think it's also an indication that the UN is a very important organization in this interdependent world where we have to work together.
Q: What do you think of President Bush's remarks about the UN could play a role in nation-building of Afghanistan and perhaps link it to this award, if there is a way or connection?
SG: Obviously, depending upon what happens in Afghanistan, the UN may have an important role to play. But that will also depend on the Member States -- to depend on the Member States in terms of the kind of mandate we are given, and the resources and the support that comes with it. And I think when you look around, the UN is the only organization that in the past has done the kind of work that may be necessary in Afghanistan depending on developments of course.
Q: If you look back, why did the UN get it?
SG: I think that's a question that the Nobel Committee should answer. I think the citation was an interesting one. They believe that we need to encourage international cooperation and I believe that has become even more important in today's world. And I would say that they gave it to the UN not only to recognize it -- what we've achieved in the past -- but to encourage us to really move forward and work with governments and make sure there is true international cooperation and multilateralism. And that is the challenge I was referring to.
Q: Have the last ten years been crucial?
SG: I think the last ten years have been crucial and the next ten years, I hope, will be crucial.
Q: Sir, you've just been, for a week, in Norway on vacation, and you have always stated [that] Norway's a special country for you. How will it be to get back to Norway and receive the prize now?
SG: It would be wonderful for us to be back in Norway. As you know, we had a wonderful hiking holiday this summer, walking 8 hours the last day. And it's such a beautiful country and both of us love nature, and nature really soothes us. So it's a country that we'd love getting back to. And I have a brother in-law who lives there -- Nane's brother.
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, have you had a chance to speak with Nobel Laureate Eli Wiesel?
SG: Not yet, I haven't spoken to him today. But he is a good friend and I will have a chance to talk to him. And I'm sure he'll be happy for me and for the UN, knowing him.
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, what will you do with your prize?
SG: I have plenty of time to think about that.
Q: Personally, how did that make you feel?
SG: Humbled. Humbled, but also encouraged. It is not something you expect. You go about doing your work. It feels good, but it is humbling.
Q: And it also comes with a great deal of responsibility.
SG: Absolutely. That is it. Greater expectations from people ....
Q: The Committee mentioned AIDS, human rights. Is there anything in particular that gives you more satisfaction this morning -- one of many of your commitments that they mentioned, something in particular?
SG: I think they mentioned AIDS, which is also linked to the fight against poverty, which is extremely important to all of us. And when the Heads of States came here for the Millennium Summit, poverty was one of the key issues they mentioned. There's a link between poverty and AIDS. And so I was happy that they also cited that.
Q: The prize itself is a considerable amount of money. Have you given it a thought on what you're going to ...
SG: Not really. In fact, she asked that question and I said, "We have plenty of time to decide what to do with it." And we'll find good use for it, don't worry.
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, how can this award strengthen the United Nations hand at this time, after September the 11th?
SG: No, I agree with that. I think the timing couldn't have been better. And it is really going to do all sorts of intangible things for us and I think it is going to encourage and energize my colleagues, particularly those in the field -- in Afghanistan, in Congo, in the Balkans, and all of us. So I think it's a great shot in the arm for us.
Q: Who else called you this morning to congratulate? Who called you this morning?
SG: I've had several calls -- from [Javier] Solana [foreign policy chief, European Union], from [Lakhdar] Brahimi [Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan], from my family, my mother-in-law, my children and other friends.
Q: Has the American President called you yet?
SG: Not yet, it's a bit early. It's a bit early.
Q: Will this award change you or the Organization in any way?
SG: I think you've known me long enough. I will not change. I hope it will change the Organization in the sense that it will energize all of us to do more and to carry on with our work. Thank you very much and I'm sorry that you've all been out here for so long.*****