Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Event/Special

Secretary-General Kofi Annan Holds Press Conference

Aired October 12, 2001 - 06:52   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: We interrupt this commercial break to bring you the latest Nobel Prize -- Peace Prize winner, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

KOFI ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL: ... when we are tackling some very difficult issues around the world. In my kind of work, you don't get this kind of news every day. And usually when the phone rings early in the morning there's some bad news somewhere around the world. And I think this is going to be a great encouragement for me personally and for all my colleagues at the United Nations, and we look forward to pressing ahead.

QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE) of U.N. position?

ANNAN: I think a surprise that honors the U.N. but also challenges us, challenges us to do more and to do better, not to rest on our laurels. And I think it's also an indication that the U.N. is a very important organization in this interdependent world where we have to work together as a -- as a -- as a nation.

QUESTION: What do you think (INAUDIBLE) remarks about the U.N. could play a role in (INAUDIBLE) nation building in Afghanistan and perhaps link it to the support of (INAUDIBLE)?

ANNAN: Well, obviously depending upon what happens in Afghanistan, the U.N. may have an important role to play. But that will also depend on the member states -- to depend on the member states in terms of the kind of mandates we are given and the resources and the support that comes with it. And I think when you look around, the U.N. is the only organization that in the past has done the kind of work that may be necessary in Afghanistan depending on developments of course.

QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE) why did the U.N. get this?

ANNAN: I think that's a question that the Nobel committee should answer. But if you -- I think the citation was an interesting one that the U.N. they believe that we need to encourage international cooperation and that -- and I believe that has become even more important in today's world. And I will say that they gave it to the U.N. not only to recognize that what we've achieved in the past but to encourage us to really move forward and make -- work with governments and make sure that there is true international cooperation and multilateralism and that is the challenge I was referring to.

QUESTION: General, what will you do with your award?

QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)?

ANNAN: I think the last 10 years has been crucial. The last five -- you know the last 10 years have been crucial and the next 10 years I hope will be crucial.

QUESTION: Sir, you have just been (INAUDIBLE) for you. How will it be to get back (INAUDIBLE) and receive the prize?

ANNAN: It should be wonderful for us to be back in Norway. I see (INAUDIBLE) we had a wonderful hike and holidays this summer, walk in A Towers (ph) the last day and it's such a beautiful country. And both of us love nature and nature really sooths us, so it's a country that we love getting back to. And I have a brother in Lovel (ph) who lives there, Nan's brother, yes.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, (INAUDIBLE), have you had a chance to speak with (INAUDIBLE)?

ANNAN: Not yet, I haven't spoken to him today, but he's a good friend and I will have a chance to talk to him and I'm sure he'll be happy for me and for the U.N. knowing it.

QUESTION: What will you do with your prize?

ANNAN: I have plenty of time to think about that.

QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE) to you. (INAUDIBLE)?

ANNAN: Yes.

QUESTION: How does that make you feel?

ANNAN: Humble. Humbled, but also encouraged, and it's just not something you expect. You go about doing your work and it feels good, but it's just humbling.

QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE) great deal (INAUDIBLE)?

ANNAN: Absolutely, but that is it.

LIN: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the winner of the 100th Nobel Peace Prize, says he is humbled and encourages and the challenge now is to do more and to do better.

Standing outside of his front door this morning after a very early morning phone call from Oslo, Norway -- congratulations.

LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Newest member of perhaps the most select (INAUDIBLE) group in the world. (INAUDIBLE).

LIN: United Nations, which also shares the prize.

HARRIS: That's right, for the first time the entire U.N. (INAUDIBLE) prize.

LIN: The entire U.N., all right.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com