SEC. RUMSFELD: I would like to say one thing. Let me just take a minute on a separate subject.

My apologies, Minister Wardak.

I have just received the news about the assassination of Pierre Gemayel, and I must say that family has suffered a great deal. Bashir Gemayel was assassinated back in the early 1980s, and his brother Amin became president, and this is Amin's son. And it is a -- certainly a tragedy for Lebanon and for those in Lebanon and in that part of the world who believe in peace and representative systems.

Thank you, folks.

Q Mr. Secretary, how --

Q (Off mike) -- in Iraq?

Q (Off mike) -- this latest initiative from Iraq -- from Iran and Syria is helpful or not?

(No response as Sec. Rumsfeld leaves the microphones.)