We regret that U S West apparently wouldn't even consider an alternative transaction involving a major telecommunications company and Qwest despite the possibility of greater value for U S West shareholders.

In the current circumstances and based upon the positions taken by U S West Inc. in its press release earlier this afternoon, the major telecommunications company has withdrawn from discussions to acquire Qwest and U S West.

I don't think it's an issue of monopolistic considerations at all. We think everything we're doing is within the rules and laws as they are currently construed.

Yes, there will certainly be one company that ignores the guidelines. That company might live to regret that decision.

Droll thing life is -- that mysterious arrangement of merciless logic for a futile purpose. The most you can hope from it is some knowledge of yourself -- that comes too late -- a crop of inextinguishable regrets.

We aren't going to comment or make any assumptions until we meet with the company.