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Q: You've devoted your life to human dignity, equality. Now with the war on terrorism, these ideals seem pretty far away.

SG: There is evil in the world and I think recently we've seen man's capacity for evil and to inflict pain but what is important is that we deal with terrorism and those who perpetrate it very firmly. But in doing that we need to be careful not to erode the civil liberties of our ordinary citizens. And this is why I have maintained that we need to constantly remind ourselves that there is no trade off between effective action against terrorism and human rights and civil liberties. And indeed if we allow ourselves to undermine our own laws and the (inaudible) of our citizens, then we're giving a victory to the terrorists.

Q: I have a question about the situation in Iraq. Do you think the diplomatic process has a proper chance?

SG: I think the Chief Inspector, Mr. Blix, and the head of the Atomic Agency,

Mr. ElBaradei, have just been to Iraq. They made initial contact and from the account that I have received it did go well. But it is important that the Government of Iraq honours its obligations. The international community, acting with one voice, has demanded that Iraq comply with UN resolutions. And if they do that, if they do comply, if they co-operate with them on the disarmament issue and the inspectors are able to do their work and do it effectively, complete their work, then I think the arguments for military action will be considerably diminished.

Q: The United States has made a formal request to sixty countries to commit troops to Iraq in the eventuality that Iraq does not comply with UN weapons inspectors. Is this premature, in your opinion?

SG: It's not up to me to advise the US on how to prepare for certain eventualities, but I think what we are all focussing on at this stage is the effective inspections by the inspectors. Iraq will have to give a statement on the 8th of December regarding its holding of weapons of mass destruction and we will move on from there. But I don't want to be drawn into US plans and I have very little knowledge about it and besides it's not my responsibility.

Q: I have a question about the honorary doctorate. How many honorary doctorates do you already have?

SG: Quite a few (laughter). Over twenty.

Q: What makes this one special?

SG: I think it is important that you have a university here that is concerned with working on some of the issues that we are dealing with on a daily basis and I think from the citation, you realize the concerns that we have in common and the work that this university is trying to do on the issue of law. And I was also quite intrigued by the work you are doing on economic issues, which I think is important because there is an economic basis for all the conflicts that we face. To be able to come here, meet some of the professors and, in a way, encourage them to do further work in the areas we are focussing on, because the UN cannot do it alone, we are reaching out, working with research institutions, universities, foundations, civil society and the private sector in partnership to get our work done. And I'm always excited to see institutions like this that are doing research in areas of great concern to us.

Q: [What if Iraq doesn't co-operate with the inspectors?]

SG: If he does not co-operate with the inspectors, the inspectors will have to report back to the Security Council and the Security Council will determine what action to take. But I hope that if that were to be the case, the Council will face up to its responsibilities.

Q: You are said to be in favour of poor people, those suffering from AIDS. You yourself in your speech talked about the dilemma you have on one side with fighting against terrorism on the other side the democratic liberties that are put in danger. My question would be that it seems to be that you are a very idealistic man but in your heart, do you believe in the goodness of the people?

SG: You have to. I cannot afford to be cynical and I hope you are not. I hope you are not. You have to believe in people. You have to believe that given the chance we will all do the right thing. You have to understand that yes we have evil men and women on earth. We've seen it. It's around us. And we have to take measures to deal with them. What is important is we should be careful not to generalize from the particular. And in attempting to get one individual, make a law that will come to haunt everybody. And I think this is where the balance has to be drawn.