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New York, 17 January 2007 – Secretary-General's press encounter upon entering U.N. Headquarters following visit to Washington, DC
SG: Glad to see you again. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Q: Did you want to tell us something about your meeting, or did you just want to answer some questions?
SG: Briefly, I will tell you an overview of my visit to Washington, D.C. During the last two days, yesterday and today, I have had very useful meetings with the US leadership, including President [George W.] Bush and Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi of the Congress. We have discussed a wide range of issues, including reform of the United Nations and other regional issues, including Darfur, the Middle East, the issues of non-proliferation, MDGs [the Millennium Development Goals] and climate change. I think I have had very good meetings.
Q: Sir, have you discussed the Quartet meeting with President Bush ¨C any update on a new date for this meeting, sir?
SG: I discussed this matter with President Bush. I emphasized the importance of re-energizing the Quartet meeting to facilitate the peace process in the Middle East. I have been discussing this matter with Secretary [of State Condoleezza] Rice, and it is my hope that we will be able to have a Quartet meeting as soon as possible, preferably early February. I think you must have read the press reports. We are working for a date. During my stay in Washington, I was contacted by the American administration about the possibility of a mutually convenient date. We are working on that. Thank you very much. I have to attend the ECOSOC meeting.
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