We support the stance of our ally against armed provocation.

You really can't prepare for it. We support Allen 100 percent. There are some things he can and can't do, and he'll let us know.

We want staff functions to support line decisions and maximize their impact.

We hope the responsible Russian agencies will take our concerns seriously.

Such equipment in the hands of Iraq may pose a direct military threat to U.S. and coalition armed forces. We thus have raised the issue with the Russian government a number of times, including at senior levels, and particularly in the last two weeks.

They're not going to get public support.