Secretary-General's press encounter following the Security Council formal meeting on Sudan (unofficial transcript)

SG: Well, I think we've given them the options and the actions that we think should be taken, and of course, we've raised the importance of getting the African forces in as quickly as possible, and the support they need from the international community to be able to deploy as quickly as possible. I'm sure that the Council will focus on that aspect, and also maintain the pressure on the Sudanese authorities to protect its population.

Q: Is it time now to give more consideration, more urgent consideration, to a course of actions like sanctions?

SG: I think, let the Council end its discussion. They've just started the discussion. See what…

Q: What do you make of the Congressional investigation report on oil-for-food, which said France, Russia, were interested in blocking the US efforts to crack down on Saddam Hussein and oil-for-food skimming? There's a major hearing today involved in Washington.

SG: I haven't seen the full report, but I will wait for Mr. [Paul] Volcker to do his work and see what conclusions he comes out with.

Q: There was also a story that said that your son was still in effect on contract, through a non-compete clause, and I thought that he had totally severed all ties with Cotecna following the contract signing for the UN to do inspections.

SG: Well, these are all the issues that the committee will look into. And I would want to see Volcker and his team get to the bottom of all this.

Q: Does a Mideast resolution help or hurt today, involving the situation on the ground?

SG: Of course, the Council is going to act this afternoon. I am not sure what the outcome will be. But the situation on the ground is extremely worrying, and I think it is appropriate that the Council is seized of the matter.

Q: Should Israel apologize should it turn out to be indeed a hospital stretcher, as Peter Hansen said, instead of a rocket?

SG: In my discussions with the [Israeli] Ambassador, I did raise that if it is found out that the facts are not correct, that they would issue a disclaimer on their side.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, security aside, is it technically feasible still to hold free and fair elections in Iraq?

SG: I think, when Prime Minister [Ayad] Allawi was here, he indicated their determination to go ahead with the elections in January, and the decision belongs to the Independent Electoral Commission. And I think one has to be clear here: the ownership of the elections belongs to the Iraqis. We are there to support and assist. And those decisions will be made by them. Thank you.