SG: I had a very constructive and useful meeting with the Libyan leader [Muammar Al-] Qadhafi this afternoon. We discussed the forthcoming peace talks to be held in Libya , and some other related matters, such as the multidimensional international forces to be deployed in Chad , and other related development issues.
First, on the peace talks, political negotiations talks, he expressed his full support for the AU-UN leadership. He said he will do all to bring to bring all the leaders of movements to participate in the meeting. I am very grateful for his flexibility and willingness to provide necessary assistance and hospitality. We agreed that the African Union, the United Nations, the Libyan Government, all should work very closely. We agreed again to establish working high level support team who will work as a focal team. I suggested that [UN Special Envoy for Darfur ] Ambassador [Jan] Eliasson and Minister [for African Affairs Ali Al-] Treiki should work very closely for that purpose.
On the second issue, the multidimensional international forces, he said it is a very good idea. He expressed his full support. He was showing very positive responses to that. We also discussed, on related matters, development issues. He said that in addressing all these conflict issues, it would be necessary. We agreed that all these issues should be addressed in a comprehensive manner.
If you have any questions?
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, what sort of influence can Colonel Qadhafi use to bring the rebels to the talks?
SG: Before that, I would like to tell you I told him that this forthcoming political negotiation meeting should be a final phase in addressing this issue, and we agreed and he also expressed his support that we need to work to make this a final phase, and a final settlement of this issue?
Q: When you say final settlement, Secretary-General, does that mean that no one should leave Libya until an agreement is reached?
SG: We will try our best efforts. We are seriously aiming to make this negotiation as a final settlement phase.
Q: When you say support for the multinational force. Do you mean the one that will go to Chad ?
SG: Yes, I explained this initiative now being discussed between the European Union and the United Nations, which will soon be approved by the Security Council. He expressed his very positive response to that, and I am very much encouraged by his response.
Q: What did he say that he would do to the rebels, apart from talking? Did he say that he would intensively talk? What was the promise of his action?
SG: He did not say anything in detail. It is not desirable at this time to express everything in detail. We will work very closely with the parties concerned to bring all the representatives of the groups to the negotiating table.
Q: What were the special issues that you wanted to raise with him in your tệte-à-tệte meeting with him for half an hour?
SG: Being a tête-à-tête meeting, it would not be desirable to disclose it at this time.
If I may say in general, I will emphasize the necessity of his role and the Libyan Government?s support to make this political negotiation forum a success.
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, two things. First, what specific role would you like Libya to play, in addition to hosting these talks, and did you specifically discuss ways of getting Abdul Wahid Noor to the peace table, and did you come up with any new ideas?
SG: I asked him, and urged him, to demonstrate all possible leadership and initiative and influence to bring all representatives of the movements. He said he will do all to bring them all to the negotiation table.
I will closely work more in detail, particularly between Amb. Eliasson and Minister Treiki, what would be the best way to bring them all in, including Abdul Wahid.
Q: Secretary-General, you say you emphasized the important role he can play. After this meeting today, are you confident that he will play that role?
SG: I am confident. As you may recall, Libya has been playing a very important and constructive role, since last year in facilitating and playing a mediating role between Sudan and Chad through the very important Tripoli Agreement in February of last year. There were two important meetings, in February and July. Those were the initiatives of the Libyan Government, which paved a good framework, road work toward the Arusha meeting. Through the Arusha preparatory negotiations, we are now able to aim for a final settlement of this issue. I sincerely hope that we will be able to pool all resources and wisdom and experience, with the participation of all the parties concerned, to make this a final and successful resolution.
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, did you talk about the Libyan model regarding the North Korean crisis?
SG: I would not discuss any other issues. Of course, we have discussed, as Secretary-General of the UN, I am a position to deal with all regional matters. Maybe next time I will talk to you.
Q: Mr. Secretary-General, before you go, could you tell us, in your eyes, what does a final settlement entail? What has to be in place? What has to be done?
SG: First of all, durable and enduring peace and security in the region, in Darfur . There must be full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the south and north, to bring all the political issues to a resolution. [There needs] to be development issues discussed on an international level.