21/12/2005
Secretary-General
SG/SM/10280

Department of Public Information - News and Media Division - New York

TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY UN SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN
AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, 21 DECEMBER 2005
www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sgsm10280.doc.htm
...

Question: As this is the ninth year into your two terms as
Secretary-General of this Organization, at this stage, how are you feeling
physically and psychologically? And unrelated to that, what is your
position regarding the suggestion that the Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia be added to the Quartet?

The Secretary-General: Physically and psychologically, I am fine. I am in
great shape, raring to go next year. Thank you very much.

On the second question: Egypt and Saudi Arabia and Jordan have played an
important role in the situation in the Middle East. In fact, on the reform
of Palestinian security, Egypt has been extremely helpful, working with the
Europeans and the Americans to reform the Palestinian security authority.
The Quartet, in the past, has broadened its meeting. We had a meeting once
where we brought in the three countries Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. And
at our last meeting, in September, this issue came up: that we should in
the near future allow room for a larger discussion, bringing in the partners
in the region. I don't think there's an intention to expand the Quartet as
such. But the Quartet can meet in an expanded format with the three
countries that you mentioned, and I think that is not excluded, that it will
take place in the course of this year.