UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Press Encounter

with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

London , 19 October 2004

 (The Prime Minister made opening comments after which he invited the SG to speak

Secretary-General:  Thank you very much.  I had a very good discussion, as you've heard, and I always appreciate these occasions where we can go over a range of issues.

And I don't have much to add to the issues he's raised, but I would want to say on Sudan that it is extremely important that we get all the help necessary to the African Union so that they can deploy the monitors and the protection force very quickly.

It is also important that we get the necessary resources to carry on our humanitarian programme.  We are about a little over 200 million dollars short and I would appeal to all governments with capacity to help, and help urgently.

(The PM was then asked about the redeployment of UK troops in Iraq , which he answered)

Question:  I have a question for Kofi Annan.  You will be aware, Mr. Annan, of the controversy about the redeployment of these British troops and therefore of the scarcity of quality troops on the ground in Iraq .  Do you think it would have been easier for other international countries to send troops into Iraq if the war hadn't, in your words, been illegal?

Secretary-General:  I think, let me put it this way, the Prime Minister indicated that the elections and the stabilization of Iraq will be in the interest of the Iraqis and the UK government.  I would go further; I would say that attempts to stabilize Iraq will be in the interest of the entire international community.  And that's why I've indicated that any government with capacity and ability to help should do what they can to help stabilize Iraq so that they can get on with their lives.  And I indicated that security is absolutely essential for us to carry on reconstruction and all the wonderful plans we have for Iraq .

Question:  Were you disappointed that more countries haven't been able to send troops?

Secretary-General:  Obviously, the more countries that participate in these operations, the stronger the message that goes out that the whole international community is engaged and agreed on the project.  But of course it is up to individual governments to decide

when to participate or not to participate in these operations.  But I would hope more governments would; for example, we tried to raise a brigade to protect UN [civilians in Iraq ]; we haven't done very well.  And it's the same governments who are asking me to send in my civilian staff who are not going to give any troops to protect them.

(PM was asked a question about abduction of CARE international worker and others on redeployment of UK troops in Iraq )

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