Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's press encounter with traveling press during refueling stopover (unofficial transcript)

Secretary-General: It is important for the international community, particularly the United Nations, to encourage the government and people of Congo in their very noble and challenging efforts to solidify their democratic process. As you know, there was an election after 40 years. A government was democratically elected. As far as the United Nations is concerned, we feel very proud to have been part of that process... and we are keeping the largest peacekeeping contingent in the DRC. I am going to have a very good meeting with President [Joseph] Kabila and including some members of opposition groups to encourage them to engage in an inclusive political process parallel with their domestic and economic development. The United Nations will be standing behind the DRC in their effort for more democracy and realizing economic and social development. And I am also going to encourage those [peacekeeping] troops who are nobly contributing to peace and prosperity. Thank you.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, how pleased are you with the Paris III Conference and how worried are you about the situation in Lebanon because of the developments?

SG: I was very much satisfied with the result of the Paris III donor conference. It is a reaffirmation of the international community's commitment to help Lebanon and the Lebanese people to build their own country on a democratic and free process. At the same time I am very much concerned about this continuing violence, which in a sense overshadows such a successful outcome of the international conference. I would only hope and urge the people and the parties concerned, wherever and whatever belief they may be, to exercise maximum restraint and engage in a political dialogue. This is my sincere wish and that of the United Nations. And I, as the Secretary-General, will always be supporting such noble and challenging efforts of the Lebanese people and government. I am very much impressed by the very passionate and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister [Fouad] Siniora. I had a very good talk with him. I wish him all the best.

Q: And what do you think needs to be done within the [DRC] to cement democracy but also bring peace to the region?

SG: Very encouraging developments have been made but much more needs to be done in Congo, and therefore the international community should try to nurture and cultivate this young democracy. That is why I am going there, that is why I have chosen the DRC as the first African country [to visit]. I am going to send out some strong and symbolic messages, not only to the Congolese people but also to the outside world. There are still some countries which are suffering and which are experiencing similar situations. I hope that those countries that are suffering from all those regional conflicts or ethnic conflicts will be able to learn the lessons from this, which I regard as a substantial example.

Q: When do you plan to downsize the force in Congo?

SG: It may be too much to downsize or withdraw this peacekeeping mission in Congo at this time. Of course, as the situation develops toward a favorable situation then I think members of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, may discuss this matter. But at this time, as Secretary-General, I would encourage to maintain the current size of the force. Thank you.