Q: The [Iraqi] Ambassador was just saying that he would like to see how the UN moves to take the next steps in Iraq. He's happy, but wants some more, in terms of people there. What is the immediate likelihood of getting more people in, opening the offices?
SG: I think in the discussions I had with you, I said the UN was prepared to play its role and fulfill its mandate to the fullest, the circumstances permitting. We were able to fulfill our mandate during the elections. And now that the elections are over, we've indicated other things we can do with the Iraqi people and the government, to assist. We also are in fact operating from across the border and implementing some projects.
Q: Do you see the time when circumstances will permit? Do you see those conditions building, and how fast?
SG: That I can't say. Obviously, the time will come and we are all monitoring developments very closely, when we will be able to send in additional staff. We already have presence now in Erbil, and we are looking at Basra as well, in addition to Baghdad.
Q: There has been an announcement about a common front, a joint front, between Iran and Syria. Do you read this as directed against Iraq or against Lebanon? And are you worried to what it might lead, to consequences?
SG: I need to look at the details of that announcement. We are monitoring developments there very, very closely, as you can imagine. So I would not want to comment in detail on that.
Q: Is it worrisome that there is such an announcement of a common front?
SG: I think I won't (inaudible) what was said.
Q: Senator Coleman demanded that you lift the immunity of Benon Sevan. Is it time? What's your message for him? He also had more criticism of your son. He won't give up on Kojo. Your son has said it's a witch hunt, and it's irresponsible allegations.
SG: I think the issue is under investigation and we should wait for the results.
Q: What are you going to do on the team, on the Lebanon report? What's your first step?
SG: We are studying the Security Council request very carefully, in order to begin taking prompt action. But I am not in a position to go into details.
Q: How prompt? When should we expect the first step?
SG: I would hope in the course of the week.
Q: [The] course of a week? It will take a week before you take the first step?
SG: In the course of a week.
Q: How disturbing were the images of the UN soldiers, peacekeepers taking prostitutes into a van in Congo? And have you had any reaction to your request for more people to monitor the situation?
SG: We've indicated how outraged we are by this and our position has been very, very clear. We are insisting on a zero tolerance policy, and we have urged the troops to be careful not to fraternize with these vulnerable people. And I think we are taking further measures to tighten up, and other governments have taken steps to punish some of those involved. You saw the action taken by the Moroccan Government, and we expect other Governments to take action.
Q: You were the director of peacekeeping for a long time, though. Was this a problem? Could you have done more to prevent this from happening again?
SG: You never know when you send that many people out. There may be one or two bad apples, but I don't think we should use that to tar the entire peace-keeping operations.
Q: Middle East envoy, are you ready to announce that? Do you have anything?
SG: Kieran is working on that for me –Kieran Prendergast.