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Question:  The Iraqi Parliament has just recommended a rejection of the United Nations Security Council resolution.  I am just wondering what your comment is on this?

The Secretary-General:  I have written to the Iraqi Government, and I am waiting for a formal response from the Government.  I do not think the Iraqi Parliament was talking to me.  I think it was addressed to the people of Iraq.

Question:  I just wonder, now as the Revolutionary Council and Saddam himself consider this, what message do you have to the Government as they consider this resolution?

The Secretary-General:  I think that the Security Council requirements are very clear, and Iraq is expected to comply.  The decision was unanimous.  It has also been endorsed by the Arab League, and I hope the message will get through.

Question:  Two things.  First of all, there is increased talk about the possibility of the Israeli Government deporting President Yasser Arafat.  The situation is rather horrible out there, so I was wondering what you think of this talk about deportation?

Secondly, on the issue of Iraq, is it your understanding that substantive inspections would have to wait for the declaration’s arrival, or could they go ahead of the declarations that Iraq is supposed to give within 30 days?

The Secretary-General:  On the first question, of course, I have also read the reports, and I hope this does not happen.  I think many governments around the world have indicated that it would be unwise to exile Chairman Arafat.  I hope this will not happen.

To answer your second question, I think that the inspectors have indicated the timetable.  Iraq should respond formally that it accepts the resolution by the 15^th.  I am expecting that letter.  Then, within 30 days, Iraq will have to declare its holdings of weapons of mass destruction.  The inspectors have up to 45 to

60 days to go to Iraq in order to do re-baselining, check the equipment, make sure the cameras are in place and whatever else they have to do.  They will come back to report to the Council, and then they will go back to get their work done.  The advance team with Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei are going to be in Iraq on the 18^th.  I think the way I would say it is that, during that period, it is the re-baselining that they will have to do, and a full-fledged disarmament programme will begin when they go back in the next phase.  But I think you may want to talk to Mr. Blix, and not me –- I am not the expert.

Question:  This looks like the indication of a sequence, the way you see it. The sequence being that, after the Iraqis accept, they will give the declarations. And then the inspections would resume.  Did I understand you correctly?

The Secretary-General:  No, let me put it this way.  First of all, the Security Council resolution becomes effective from day one, from the moment it is adopted.  The seven days have been requested, but even without the seven days, we have to be clear that the resolution is in force.

Mr. Blix and his team are making their preparations to get there on the 18^th and to make the assessment on the ground.  Iraq, we would hope, would also produce a 30-day document, as has been required.  And they would get on with their work. But I would suggest that you discuss the details with Mr. Blix.