TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN AT HEADQUARTERS, FRIDAY, 10 JULY 1998

Press Release
SG/SM/6635

TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN AT HEADQUARTERS, FRIDAY, 10 JULY 1998

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, I will be leaving for Latin America tonight. This will be my second visit to the region. Last year I had the opportunity of going to Santiago de Chile to see the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and also officially visit the Government. I am looking forward to the trip. It has been a tough 18 or 19 months, where we have gone through the reform and also had to deal with some difficult political issues -- and, as well as dealing with these issues, making a real effort to shore up the support for the Organization here and around the world. I know that sometimes there is a feeling that we should spend quite a bit of time bringing the Congress and the United States public around; I think that is very important, but so is the rest of our constituency. I recall a couple of years ago I went to Columbia University to give a talk, and I had selected the topic "The United Nations is Us", and the professor misunderstood it. He said, "Kofi Annan has selected a very intriguing subject to talk to us about, and he is going to talk to us tonight about "The United Nations is the United States". Obviously, the United States is very important, but the other parts of the world are equally important.

I will take your questions. I understand that quite a lot of the Latin American correspondents have lots of questions for me. We may want to stay on Latin America a bit, and then we can broaden it.

QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, and best wishes on your trip. The first question is, other than for reasons of protocol and the normal tour d'horizon that one has on this kind of trip, were there any particular problems in each of these countries that prompted you to select them?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Obviously, in each of them; and in some of them there are particular issues that I would want to discuss with the Governments. If you take Mexico, for example, the Government has given me some useful material on Chiapas, which I am looking at; and an umbrella group of non- governmental organizations has also requested to see me during my visit. I am also studying that issue. I think also of some of the other areas, like Uruguay, where we have a very important relationship with them on peacekeeping and other issues. The same goes for Argentina, where we will look at it, and look at the situation in the region as a whole. I am sure some of the economic issues will also come up.

QUESTION: India's 50-year history shows that India doesn't want to resolve the issue of Kashmir. People in Kashimir, on both sides, are tired. Tension is increasing, Mr. Secretary-General. Now there's the possibility of full-scale nuclear war between India and Pakistan. My question is, do you have any action plan to prevent use of nuclear weapons between both countries? If so, what is it?

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The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I'll hold on to that question to see if there are no other questions on Latin America, and then I'll come back to that. But I will answer your question.

QUESTION (interpretation from French): Mr. Secretary-General, your predecessor a few years ago said that the situation in Haiti was a threat to international peace. You're going to Latin America, and the question is still outstanding: do you regard Haiti as a priority in Latin American affairs?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL (interpretation from French): Obviously Haiti is a priority for the United Nations. As you know, we are on the ground there; we have troops there. I've just sent Mr. Benamiya, and I myself do plan to go to Haiti in the future, but not this time around. I will be going to Haiti, not this year, but it is an important question for us.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, regarding the question of Chiapas. Do you plan to have any initiative or plan to have any action of the United Nations to help in the peace negotiations there?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Well, I don't think I can answer this question until I've looked at the material the Government has given to me and have also had the chance to talk to the Government to see what their perception and view is.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary-General, you issued a statement last week regarding Colombia that was quite a blunt statement, regarding the peace process there. You basically disqualified opinions by President-elect Pastrana regarding peace. Can you tell us what's going on there? Does the United Nations have a role to play in the negotiations?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I have sent a message of congratulations to the President-elect and also, apart from congratulating him, indicated that the United Nations would be very happy to do whatever we can do in a useful way to assist Colombia in solving the great internal problems it has. So we stand ready; if the Government wants us to help we will do whatever we can to assist.

QUESTION: You're going to Guatemala, too. How do you see the peace process there, how the United Nations is helping the country?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I think we've made considerable progress, and I'm happy to say that the United Nations has had a chance to play a role. It is now time to try to consolidate peace, and this is what we are in the process of doing. I think the death of the Archbishop did set us back a little bit, but I think everyone has picked up the pieces, and hopefully we can move on and get groups to work together. We are continuing our efforts with the

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Government. I will have the opportunity whilst there to talk to all the various groups in the country.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary-General, you are going to Latin America, and I believe it is your intention to promote your reforming the Security Council. How are you going to face the different candidates that are, that want to be part of the Security Council as a permanent -- with the decision that will be taken. Do you have any particular sympathies for a country in the region?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: If we are talking about soccer, I may have an idea, but Security Council membership is another issue. Let me say that the issue is between Member States. My position has always been clear, that the Council is in need of reform and we need to bring it in line with the realities of the nineties. But first of all the Member States have to agree on the nature and the extent of the reform of the Council and the size of its membership and then move on to determine which countries will become members, but that decision will have to be taken by the membership at large. As Secretary-General, I'm in touch with the Member States, I'm encouraging the reform, but I have no preferences of candidates of my own. I think the membership will have to decide.

But about soccer -- I didn't see; apparently there was something in The Economist that talked about the permanence in soccer, almost like the permanent members. It said there are countries which are always permanent in soccer finals, and I think Brazil is one of them. I will be in Brazil when the final is played, and I think it's going to be quite an experience. For Brazil, it's something they're used to. For France this is history, so it will be a very interesting match.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary-General, if you're interested in encouraging the private sector to give further support, and with the growth of tremendous economic companies in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina -- MBA, just to mention a few -- do you think you will get any time to meet with any members of the private sector there to see what they may do to help?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: My programme does include in Brazil, for example, a meeting with civic groups that also includes the business community. I think, as I have said earlier on, that the United Nations needs to work with the private sector and with civil society. So in my programmes there will be encounters there with them.

I think the economic scene in Latin America is interesting; it's quite exciting. They have, obviously, like all of us, been concerned about the fallout of the Asian economic crisis, but their own efforts, with the creation of Mercosur and the expansion of trade amongst themselves and their intention of expanding free-trade areas even further is a very positive example and something for other third world regions to monitor and probably learn from. So

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I'm looking forward to discussing some of these developments with them. What is really important is, it's a region where the South-South cooperation is working, where trade amongst themselves is constantly growing, as well as seeking to trade with the North. It is a very positive development.

QUESTION: Argentina and Brazil have opened their nuclear secrets, their nuclear capabilities, to each other. Do you think this can be a good model to be imitated by India and Pakistan, for instance?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Any attempt to be transparent on this issue and establish nuclear-free zones is something that we should work on. We are all worried about what happened in south Asia, and after the explosions by India and Pakistan the nuclear issue is very much on the forefront of global attention.

I think there are perhaps several issues involved here. First, we need to focus on how we work to reduce tensions in the South, in South Asia and on the sub-continent. We need to think through what steps we should take to discourage other countries from going the route of India and Pakistan -- particularly countries in regions with tensions. We then need to find ways of becoming a bit more energetic on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation generally, eventually maybe aiming for ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons. In this context I think the Nuclear Five have a particular role to play in leading the way, in meeting the commitments they have undertaken and really helping us to forge ahead with the issue of nuclear disarmament.

QUESTION: Brazil has just started its presidential campaign, and President Cardoso is trying to get re-elected. A few days ago he quoted some data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to make a point in favour of his Government. Don't you think your visit could be viewed in some areas as a support for his leadership, or do you also intend to talk to some of his opponents?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I am not going to get involved in internal politics. I think the elections are some months away. Obviously, I will see the President and Government leaders, and I am open to seeing opposition leaders. On some of my previous trips, not only have I seen the Government officials and the President, I have also seen opposition leaders and other groups of society. So meeting with opposition leaders is not excluded. I am open to any requests to meet with them.

QUESTION: After studying the material on Chiapas, would you consider a role of mediator?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: This is not a question I can answer cold. I think it depends on what happens on the ground and what sort of discussions we have and what sort of requests come to me. Right now I am studying the material

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that I have been given, and it will depend very much on what happens when I am on the ground.

QUESTION: You are going to five Latin American countries. I would like to know on what basis the countries are selected. Why these five countries?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: There are many countries in Latin America; I had to start somewhere. Obviously, I cannot make them all. As I indicated, last year I did go to Chile on my first visit to Latin America to visit our staff in the region and also to visit the Government. This year I have decided to go and visit other countries in the region, and I think I have indicated in my earlier remarks some of the rationale and the reasons why I am going to these countries. I have had lots of invitations, and ever since I announced the visit, almost every other day there has been a new request, "Can you add our country to the list?" I would have liked to very much, but it is not possible. But I am sure that in the future I will have time to visit some of the other countries.

SPOKESMAN: We now enter the non-Latin American portion.

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Then let me start with the answer to the question here. Your question was about India and Pakistan, and you alluded to the fact that for 50 years India had not --

I think the Kashmir issue is a very difficult one for both countries. It is a problem that has persisted, as you said, for over 50 years. There have been Security Council resolutions, and initially there were expectations that there would be a referendum, which has never taken place. In recent years the two Governments have come together to try to resolve this issue bilaterally. Recently, following the nuclear explosions, I myself have been in touch with both leaders over the phone, and I have written to them to encourage them to resume their bilateral talks to discuss not just Kashmir, but peace and security issues. Both leaders have given me their assurances that they are prepared to do this, and I understand that there is a very good chance that when they meet at the SAARC meeting in Colombo towards the end of July, the two leaders will come together there to begin to discuss some of these issues. I would very much encourage the leaders to really take on this crucial issue, which has brought tensions between them. I think that once the tensions are reduced and there is some understanding, they can also reduce their military expenditure and focus on the essential issue of economic and social development.

QUESTION: In case of [inaudible] war, there is a possibility of using nuclear weapons. Do you have any action plan to prevent the use of nuclear weapons?

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The SECRETARY-GENERAL: First of all, I think I would want to assume that we are nowhere close to a full-scale nuclear war. I prefer to hope that when they get together to discuss peace and security issues they will discuss measures that will avoid the kind of situation that you are speaking about. The fact that one has a nuclear weapon does not mean that one is going to use it automatically, or that one is going to move on to war. We have had similar situations around the world before, so I would prefer not to assume that there is going to be a full-scale war. If there were to be, obviously it would be very serious and dangerous, given the density of population in that area, and this is why it is essential that the two countries come together and begin to discuss seriously peace and security arrangements as well as Kashmir.

QUESTION: Several committees of delegations -- from the Organization of African Unity (OAU), from the Arab League, from the Non-Aligned Movement -- have written to you and asked you personally to play a more active role on Libya. You understand, of course, that at the Ouagadougou summit the OAU set deadlines and warnings, and that is expected also in the South African non- aligned summit it seems. Are you ready now to play a very active role? What sort of shape would you like your role to take? Are there any openings where you can really take the Libyan issue beyond the stalemate, and what do you think of the African heads of State going to Libya -- particularly those who are flying to Libya -- to see Mr. Qadhafi?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: First, let me say that the Libyan issue is very much on my agenda; it is one of the priority issues that I am looking at. I met the Libyan Ambassador this week, and last Saturday I was in London, where I had a breakfast meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, and we also discussed that issue. I am going to continue my efforts to see if we can find some way of bridging the differences between the two parties. Obviously, the case is before the Court, but that would take quite a while -- about another two years -- before it is settled. I think both parties will be prepared to move ahead if we can find a mutually acceptable solution. I am continuing my contacts with the two parties, and hopefully we will find some way forward. What is important is that the Security Council resolutions are respected and that Member States do not take measures that undermine the Council and the United Nations. It also requires, obviously, that we are sensitive to the views of Member States and in some of these issues try to find a way forward. In other words, we should lead the game rather than have issues and things crumble around us; and I am doing the best I can.

QUESTION: The three options presented by the Secretaries-General of regional organizations -- is it time to explore one of them or all three of them, from your point of view as the Secretary-General of the United Nations?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I think the exploration of one, two or all three options -- or four options, because the British also put another option on the table -- is something that one has to discuss with both parties, and there may

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be other options that are not on the table. I do not think that in the search for a solution we need necessarily limit ourselves to the four options on the table, but what is important is that we proceed in good spirit and in good faith to try to move the process forward and bring those people to trial and ensure that the victims are vindicated or we get justice.

QUESTION: It has been a week since you made the announcement that the Nigerian Government would release all political prisoners. A lot has happened since then, except the release of the prisoners. Are you beginning to wonder if that is actually going to happen, or have you been in touch with General Abubakar, and is he continuing to give you assurances that they will be released and that there will be some announcement on the roadmap for elections?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I am still hopeful. I did speak to him two days ago, and he did indicate to me that they are going to forge ahead. I am told that today the Military Council is in session; they were in session yesterday and today, trying to finalize their plans for return to civilian rule. I also reminded him that it would help if all the political prisoners were to be released immediately, as discussed, and unconditionally. And not only is it important to release the prisoners, but it is also important to come up with a credible and tangible plan for transition to civilian rule as quickly as possible. These measures will help reduce tensions and reassure the population. I would hope that the timetable would be reasonable and not too long; if it is too long, the population may begin to have doubts as to whether indeed the return to civilian rule will take place.

Having said that, let me say that in my contacts with General Abubakar I am quite confident that he is serious; he is well-intentioned; he would want to move Nigeria on to democratic civilian rule. And I have appealed to all Nigerians, including the military, to work with him in this direction. And the international community will do whatever we can to support the efforts.

QUESTION: With regard to Mr. de Soto's mission, your letter to the Security Council lacks any kind of appreciation for those three countries which welcomed and supported Mr. de Soto's mission and accepted his visit. It also lacks any kind of reference or any kind of condemnation of those who snubbed the United Nations and refused to allow Mr. de Soto to visit their area. Do you think this is a good precedent? And especially, what is the reward for those -- just now you talked about the nuclear-free zone -- who have killed the concept and the proposal of South Asia as a nuclear-free zone? Is there any good precedent or reward for those who support the United Nations? And those who violate it?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Let me first say that the report I submitted to the Security Council was based on the request from the Security Council. When

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it discussed the issue of India and Pakistan and passed a resolution, it did give me a reporting requirement, and the report was in response to that.

Secondly, I did not think the United Nations was snubbed by any country in the region. India did not find it possible to receive the delegation at the time, but the Prime Minister himself has written to me and spoken to me, and said they will be prepared to receive the Secretary-General any time, and reaffirmed their strong support for the United Nations.

Thirdly, the report I put forward was factual, as required by the Council resolution. It had not been expected that I would editorialize and offer opinions, and condemn one or another country. So the report fulfilled the requirements of the Security Council.

QUESTION: What sorts of communications has your office had with the White House regarding the appropriations bill that will be sent to the President for his signature, and that he has said he will veto? And second of all, if the United States does lose its vote under Article 19, what sort of impact would that have on the Organization?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I had a chance to discuss this issue also with the President when he came here for the drug conference. It is an issue, as you know, we have been discussing with Washington for quite a while, both the Administration and some members of the Senate and the Congress. I haven't been in touch with the Administration recently on this issue, or with the Congressmen and the Senators, because the issue was becoming so complicated and complex that I wasn't sure where to intervene and whether in fact my intervention would have made matters worse or helped. Now we await presidential action. If indeed the bill has reached his desk, if he vetoes it as he has indicated he would, then we will have to see where we go from there and what other steps will be taken to begin fresh discussions on the issue, and whether it will be this year or next. So I have not been in touch lately.

If the United States does not make appropriate payments, and it comes under Article 19 and loses its vote, obviously it is something that will not please, I am sure, some members of Congress. And I suspect that many Americans and ordinary citizens will be shocked that the United States finds itself in that situation. But quite frankly, this is an issue that is in the hands of the United States; they know the rules; they know how much is required of them; they know how much they have to pay in order not to lose their vote. I hope that the right thing will be done, and that we will not get into a situation like that, which would make the United Nations-United States relationship even much more acrimonious. So I think it is in everybody's interest that we avoid that situation.

QUESTION: When you spoke to the President, did he indicate that he would be willing to sign the bill? Did he give you any indication at all?

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The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I think that the President's position on a bill with an amendment on an unrelated domestic issue attached to it is very clear, and he did not give me any indication that he has shifted from that position.

QUESTION: Speaking of arrears, the New York State Comptroller says you should call him; that you lost some money. Could you tell us about that?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: I was quite pleasantly surprised. I don't know how my name appeared on the list. I've asked one of my staff to chase it up. Maybe when I come back I will call Comptroller McCall myself to find out how much the State -- actually, the City -- owes me, and how I became a creditor. Even if I don't need the money -- which I do -- I can give it to the United Nations: We are broke; I can't afford to have money sitting around in the accounts of the City. I am baffled, but I am going to look into it. And I will let you know when I find out.

QUESTION: Could you give us a status report on your February agreement with Iraq? Are things proceeding as expected and as hoped?

The SECRETARY-GENERAL: First of all, let me say that the February agreement and the crisis were over access, in the sense that the Iraqi authorities had refused to give UNSCOM access to the eight presidential sites. And, following the agreement, they did get the access. They have got access not only to eight presidential sites but to other sites, and I think Mr. Butler himself has made it clear that access is no longer a problem. So in the narrow sense that problem has been resolved. The next phase is how quickly UNSCOM gets its work done, what cooperation they get from the Iraqi authorities on the question of disarmament. I think the cooperation has been better than it was before. Now, of course, they are discussing issues of documentation. Whether they are going to get all the documentation and the material needed, only time will tell.

But during his last visit to Baghdad, Mr. Butler had a good meeting with the Iraqis. He confirmed it to me and the Iraqi authorities also confirmed it to me. They have come up with a work programme which will be reviewed in August, and we will have a better sense of how things are progressing by then. But what I can say is that tensions are less than they were before the February agreement, and I hope that this spirit will prevail until the Council has to make a major review of the sanctions in October.

QUESTION: In your latest Kosovo report you clearly say that contraband weapons are pouring into Kosovo, brought there by armed groups of ethnic Albanians. What kind of monitoring mechanism would you suggest for the porous Yugoslav-Albanian border, and what do you consider the move of the Yugoslav army to seal the border with Albania will do?

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The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Let me say that on this issue, both on the political front and also on the practical deployment of observers and troops, it is the contact group that is leading the political negotiations, with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) working out some contingency plans for back-up action, if necessary. I know that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers have been deployed and there are discussions of possible deployment of troops along the border to ensure that the kind of infiltration you are talking about can be halted or minimized. So really I am not in a position to give you the details. As I said, it is other organizations that are in the lead and we are supporting them. But I think it is essential that we do whatever we can to end the fighting and to ensure that additional weapons do not get into the region.

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