SG: Good morning. I think today we are all saddened by the news that Foreign Minister Anna Lindh has died. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news. She was a great leader, independent, courageous and a true internationalist. I think today we have lost a great Swede, a great European, and someone who has really contributed to European unity and our effort to work across national boundaries. In this painful moment, I wish to offer my deepest condolences and sympathy to her family, her husband, the two children, and to the people and government of Sweden. The last time I spoke to Anna was barely a month ago when she called to offer her sympathy about the tragedy in Baghdad, which took away wonderful colleagues and friends, and we have mourned them together. And incredibly, today it is Anna that we mourn. May her soul rest in peace, and I wish her family courage.
Q: I know your were also a friend of Anna Lindh. How do you remember her personally, and as a politician in the international field compared to other politicians and diplomats?
SG: I think as a politician who was also a very popular politician in Sweden and who played very actively on the international [level]. Above all, she was dynamic, she was herself, without pretensions, and very able. I've seen her with her sons, so I've seen her as a mother. I've seen her defend position of Sweden in Europe very effectively in international circles. And I've seen how she has played her role as a prominent politician in Europe. So combining her efforts in these three areas shows you what a woman she was. I don't think many of us men could do that.
Q: What did she mean to the United Nations?
SG: I think for the United Nations we had a strong ally, somebody who really believed in the Charter, believed in what the United Nations stood for, and generally believed that countries have to work across borders and cooperate to get things done. And in fact, I think she was one of those unapologetic multilateralists, and we will miss her. Thank you very much.
Q (partly inaudible): Do you think this will change Sweden's open society?
SG: I hope it doesn't mean that. Sweden is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the world. I hope this is an exception but of course we are living in a difficult world and probably the government will have to reassess security arrangements as we at the United Nations are having to do that. But I hope this hasn't changed the current nature of Sweden. Sweden has always been an open society, people were free to go about their business, and I really hope this tragic incident will not change that. Obviously, one will have to take measures. I'm not saying one should be reckless but I hope it doesn't change that wonderful open spirit and open society that is Sweden.