[Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist made opening comments before giving the floor to the Secretary-General.]

SG: Thank you very much. I would like to thank the Majority Leader and the Senators who met with me this morning to discuss, as you've heard, issues of mutual concern, from Liberia to the Middle East, to Iraq, the question of HIV/AIDS -- which is wreaking havoc on the African continent, and of course other UN-related issues.

It is not very often that I get the chance to come here, and I'm really very happy to have had this opportunity and we will take your questions.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, an increasing number of Democrats and Republicans here on Capitol Hill, in fact the whole Senate in a 97 to nothing vote, feel that more countries should be involved in the situation in rebuilding Iraq, peace in Iraq. What do you think the prognosis is for that?

SG: We did discuss Iraq. And I think it is an issue that should be of concern to the entire international community. I believe an Iraq that is at peace with itself and with its neighbours, an Iraq that is stable and prosperous, is in the interest, not just of the Iraqis and the region, but of the entire international community. And we have to do whatever we can to ensure that we do achieve stability, we do make progress in working with the Iraqis to establish a democratic government in time. And yesterday, the first step was taken where the Governing Council was established, and over time there will be elections and a full-fledged Iraqi government will be established. In the meantime, there is need for reconstruction, the need for strengthening of institutions, need for training police and the military, and of course re-establishing essential services from electricity and water to sanitation. And so the international community does have a lot on its plate.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, did you get any encouragement on Liberia, the [Democratic Republic of the] Congo, peacekeeping in general?

SG: I think on the Congo peacekeeping, we are making progress. We had asked for an increase in the ceiling to 10,800 [troops], and I think that is going to be done.

On Liberia, the discussions are still going on. I met with the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, this morning, who indicated that they are waiting for the report of the US assessment team that went to the region. They've got a preliminary report, but they want to see the full report before a final judgement will be made. But I hope the decision will be positive and that they will help the situation in Liberia, which is really deplorable and tragic, with a million people trapped in Monrovia, with 80% of the country inaccessible, with very serious humanitarian needs and human rights abuses. I think whatever we can do to help the Liberian situation will be appreciated by millions, not just in Liberia but around the continent. And I think you've also noticed a rare demonstration of enthusiasm, where the Liberians are cheering and praying and pleading with the US to come in.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, based on the revelations that have emerged regarding Iraq trying to buy uranium from Africa, do you feel misled and do you still have confidence in US intelligence?

SG: Well I don't think it's up to me to describe my confidence in US intelligence. But let me say that on that particular issue, in the Security Council [Mohammed ] El Baradei, the Director-General of the [International] Atomic [Energy] Agency, made it clear that the documents were forged, were forgeries, the documents indicating that attempts had been made to buy uranium from Niger. So for most of us in the UN, the issue was settled.

Q: Did that issue come up in the meeting this morning?

SG: No, no. It didn't come up. There were other pressing issues on my agenda.

Q: [international assistance concerning help for the US in Iraq from other countries]

SG: I think that was a question the first reporter asked. And obviously, this is something that is under discussion. I think it is obvious that we are going to have a lot on our hands and we are going to need lots of help in Iraq. And as the discussions continue, I would not be surprised if other governments are asked to join in.

[Senator Frist then invited Senator Richard Lugar to make a few comments, which he did.]