Q: Prime Minister Sharon said that he's sending Foreign Minister Peres to the United States to talk about what must be done to stop the violence. What do you believe both sides need to do to stop the violence?

SG: I think I should first wait to hear the message Foreign Minister is bringing. I have made it clear that the two will have to collaborate and to take reciprocal steps to end the violence, and that one cannot do these things sequentially, that the violence must stop before you talk about relieving the economic difficulties of the Palestinians and moving onto political dialogue. I think the discussions that appear to be taking place between the Israelis and the Egyptians and the Jordanians seem to show some flexibility in how they are approaching the crisis, so I am encouraged.

Q: Do you believe this plan is a good basis?

SG: I think the fact that there is a plan on the table, that all the parties are looking at, and are using it as a basis for discussion, is a positive development. I will wait to hear from Foreign Minister Peres as to the nature of his discussions in Jordan and Egypt. I think the fact that they are talking is in itself a very positive development.

Q: You have offered your good offices to mediate several times in the Middle East. But what can you really do, what can the United Nations really do, what will America let the UN do in these circumstances?

SG: I don't think it is a question of what can UN do, what can America let UN do. I think we are facing a major crisis in the region, and we all have to work together to assist the parties in ending the tragedy and getting back to the table. I think I can say frankly that we are working together, and by "we" I mean the US, the European Union, the UN, and the Egyptians and the Jordanians, who are also pushing for a settlement. I think it is important that we work together. The objective is to bring the parties to the table and to get the parties to settle. It is their peace that we are assisting them to do. So I don't think anyone claims absolute monopoly. What is important is that we all move the parties in the same direction, and that is what we are trying to do.

Q: But the UN does seem to be completely sidelined at the moment?

SG: I don't know what you mean by the UN. I would not say that - well - I was going to say that I am actively engaged with the parties, and with the leaders on the ground. If you define that as sidelined, or being sidelined, then so be it. But I am engaged with the parties directly and with other leaders who are trying to make a difference on the ground. We are all working together, and I think this is the way to go.

Q: The decision by Uganda to pull out of...[DRC]. How can this be seen as anything but a setback, from the efforts you have made in Congo, and what is the prospect for peace?

SG: I would not necessarily say it is a setback. Under the agreement they are all supposed to withdraw from the Congo. If indeed Uganda does withdraw and ends its engagement in the Congo, and respects the spirit of the agreement, I think it will be fine. Obviously I have heard the statement through the press, and I will need to get more specific details from the President of Uganda and I intend to do that.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, how do you comment on the US-China new step towards the spy plane? What is your reaction about that?

SG: Well, I think the two countries are talking, and I think it is important that they continue the dialogue and try and end this conflict amicably. I know that now the conflict is centred around the plane, the release of the plane, and I hope they will find a solution. Thank you very much. *****