Ambassador Khalilzad: Good afternoon. Today, the council did three things. First, we heard the report from the DPKO people who had gone to Chad with an eye to the possibility of deploying peacekeeping forces in Chad, given its shared border with the Sudan. Second, we heard from the U.N. high commissioner for Human Rights based on our mission to the Great Lakes Region, a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo. And third, the resolution dealing with Kosovo was formally introduced, and there will be an experts' meeting to discuss that resolution tomorrow. Now, I'll be glad to take your questions in my national capacity.
Reporter: The Russians are refusing this and they will veto it. What are you going to do? Are you prepared to amend it further?
Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, as we said inside on behalf of the sponsors, the United Kingdom introduced the resolution, and that's very important because, as I have emphasized many times, this is the European dimension of this issue is extremely important, that we are open, the sponsors are open to constructive ideas and suggestions, that we're willing to negotiate. And, frankly, the ball is in Russia's court to come up with ideas and suggestions. But the process to move forward has started. Kosovo's independence is inevitable, but we will make every effort to accommodate to constructive ideas and suggestions from our Russian colleagues.
Reporter: Ambassador, what is your view of the significance, legal or otherwise, switching from "endorses" to "supports" in the latest text?
Ambassador Khalilzad: Oh, we do not see a difference in that. There have been of course discussions among the sponsors, and there have been some changes in wording. But the core of the proposal is that Kosovo will enter a new phase on its way to becoming independent. And on that there is clarity among the sponsors.
Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, are you going actually to pursue with the resolution, with a draft resolution, even if Russia really shows that they are going to veto? Or you are going just not to go with the resolution, just to recognize Kosovo on your own, and European Union also?
Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, my approach to these issues is one step at a time. And the step that we're focused on right now is the experts group tomorrow, continued openness and engagement with our Russian colleagues, to encourage them, to get from them, to facilitate getting from them constructive ideas and suggestions so that we can reach an understanding with regard to this resolution. That's what we're focused on right now.
Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, when do you see this coming to a vote?
Ambassador Khalilzad: Our preference would be for this to take place next week. And we will consult with our colleagues, the sponsors and others on this issue. But certainly the United States' preference would be for a vote to take place next week. Thank you very much.
