Excerpts from the Press Gaggle by Ari Fleischer November 2, 2002 (Full transcript)

QUESTION: How close are we to a resolution on Iraq?

MR. FLEISCHER: The U.N. does not work over the weekends, and so there are going to be some phone calls made at various levels --

QUESTION: By the President?

MR. FLEISCHER: No, not by the President. But I do not anticipate any action by the United Nations over the weekend.

QUESTION: Do you think early next week there could be a compromise?

MR. FLEISCHER: Scott, I'd hazard a guess at the date. The talks are continuing to move along; a productive week at the United Nations, and in the discussions around the world. I would hazard to make a hard guess as to the timing.

QUESTION: We've been given to understand there would be new U.S. draft that took account of some of the back-and-forth, the French-Russians, early next week. Is that the case?

MR. FLEISCHER: We'll see what ultimately they decide to finalize. I think the talks are continuing and, obviously, whatever is the best summary of how these talks have moved will be represented in the final draft that is put to a vote.

QUESTION: Is what Colin Powell said the other day still active, that we're looking to have a vote by the end of next week?

MR. FLEISCHER: I think he indicated -- I don't think he was that precise in his language. He indicated it could be this coming week, could be the week after, is I think how the Secretary put it.

QUESTION: He said he doubted it would go to the following week.

MR. FLEISCHER: Yes, I think he left the door open. Again, it's impossible to guess. And this will come together when it comes together. As I said, it was a productive week, and I think everybody has seen that. I just don't want to guess a date.

QUESTION: Can the President live with the possibility that it would slide beyond November the 12th?