New York

03 March 2004

Secretary-General's encounter with Reuters upon arrival at UNHQ

Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General

Q: Mr. Secretary-General. Good morning. I was wondering if Mr. Brahimi's teams return to Iraq, I understand that they have to be invited back to Iraq. Will yesterday's events delay their return, do you believe?

SG: I hope not. We are still hoping to go back to assist the Iraqis. What happened yesterday was not encouraging; it was rather tragic, and I feel sorry for all those who lost loved ones and relatives. But it will not impede us from our determination to help…

Q: Within a few weeks perhaps?

SG: Possibly, yes.