Q: Regarding your upcoming visit to Japan, what would you like to achieve with this visit, and would you ask the Japanese government for any specific assistance regarding Iraq's reconstruction effort -- politically, economically or militarily?
SG: I would hope to have a series of discussions with the Japanese authorities on issues that are of keen interest to both the government and the UN. Obviously, Iraq would be one, we will talk about Afghanistan, we will talk about the UN reform, and Japan's involvement in UN activities. I will talk to them about developments in Iraq, yes. But I think they've already been quite generous with the contribution they made in Madrid for the reconstruction and of course they've also put men on the ground.
Q: Just a quick follow-up on that. Japanese self-defence forces have been on the ground in Iraq. What kind of role do you expect them to play? Is there anything more they can do?
SG: What kind of role? Well, I think the Security Council in its resolutions in setting up the multinational force encouraged governments to participate, in, obviously, reconstruction, humanitarian and also to help establish a secure environment in Iraq. And the role the Japanese is playing will be in consultation with the other allies, with the other troops on the ground and the coalition authorities.
Q: It will be the first time also that you address the Diet in Japan. Is there any message ….
SG: That will be the first time that I'll be addressing the Diet, and of course I will talk about Japan, its history and our United Nations and the importance of the UN and Japan working together, and for Japan to continue to play the strong leadership role it plays in the UN.
Q: Regarding Japan's contribution to the United Nations, do you expect that to be brought up? Is there anything that you can do to perhaps lower that and to get Security Council reform on the go?
SG: That is an issue for Member States –the question of reduction of the Japanese contribution. It's an issue for the Committee on Contributions and Member States to settle. I know there is a sense in some quarters in Japan that Japan pays too much.
On the second part of your question, Security Council reform, I hope the Panel of Eminent Persons that we've set up to review UN reform would also take a look at that and make recommendations.
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, a message for the Cypriot people for the talks that resume tomorrow in Nicosia, Cyprus.
SG: Well, as you rightly point out, the talks resume in Nicosia tomorrow, and I think this is a great chance for the people of Cyprus –both peoples of Cyprus –to work hard to come together, and a united Cyprus. I also appeal to the leaders to really seize the moment and really work in good faith, in a give-and-take spirit, to make it a win-win situation for everybody. It is possible. There's lots of work, but we know the issues, we have ideas what the solution should be. It is now time to move forward and take the hard decisions necessary to make it happen.
Q: Is it fair to say that now the things are in the hands of the people more than in the hands of the leaders?
SG: Well, in the end the people will have to vote in simultaneous referenda so they will have their say. And I hope the leaders will work with us to produce a plan and a document that is fair and balanced that the people can vote on and enter a united Europe together.