PRESS ENCOUNTER WITH
KOFI ANNAN SECRETARY-GENERAL

UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS

New York

01 May 2002

Excerpts

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QUESTION: Could you tell us what your expectations are for the talks with Iraq since the Iraqis are saying that they really want to cover a broad agenda. Are you really hoping to focus more on the return of weapons inspectors?

SECRETARY-GENERAL: As I have said, we are going to be discussing the implementation of Security Council resolutions and we will discuss the return of the inspectors, but obviously there must be something on the minds of the Iraqis that they would also want to put on the table. I would hope that we can spend a considerable amount of time on the return of the inspectors.

QUESTION: Have you been given any guidance or encouragement one way or another from the US in terms of a hoped-for approach on the talks?

SECRETARY-GENERAL: The [Security] Council members are hoping that the talks will lead to the return of the inspectors and that the talks will be successful. I have lots of encouragement from the Council

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