SG: Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. I've just come out of the conference room where Mr. [Paul] Volcker was briefing the members on his last report, and discussing his recommendations with them. And I think I have already issued my own statement during my statement to the Security Council. I understand some of you have some questions. And of course, this morning also I issued a statement, but I will take your questions.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, when you first asked Mr. Volcker to take on this assignment, did you ever imagine that it would expose so much of the vulnerability of the United Nations and your own position?

SG: We wanted to get to the truth, and felt that we should do whatever it takes to get to the truth. We had expected it to take a much shorter period, but it took longer than we thought. And now the report is out, the final report is out and he is briefing the Member States.

Q: How do you think you and the Organization have come through the process? Have you survived it?

SG: How the Organization has come through the process?

Q: And you as a person?

SG: I think there are lessons for all of us to learn. And obviously, we are going to learn from the lessons, take measures to strengthen the Organization. And we already have proposals for reforms that will ensure that, in future, we are better equipped to handle this sort of programme.

Q: Do you have any specific reaction to allegations against the former French Ambassador Jean Bernard Merimee who, of course, served on the Security Council during those years?

SG: I think the report speaks for itself. And obviously, there are areas of the report which deals with the Secretariat, and areas which deals with Member States of the Security Council. And I'm sure they would also look at the report very carefully and draw the right conclusions.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, some of the findings have been, of course, very harsh toward you, but also very harsh about certain members of your staff, including Louise Frechette, Iqbal Riza, Benon Sevan, of course, who worked for you. What are you going to do about your staff itself in terms of reform and changes?

SG: I think I've taken all the action necessary, and I have nothing further to add.

Thank you very much.