International   

Donald Rumsfeld steps down

WASHINGTON: Donald H. Rumsfeld (74) stepped down as U.S. Defence Secretary on Wednesday, one day after Congressional elections in which opposition to the war in Iraq contributed to heavy Republican party losses.

Making the announcement at a press conference, U.S. President George W. Bush said he would nominate Robert Gates, a former Central Intelligence Agency director, to replace him.

Asked whether his announcement signalled a new direction in the war that has claimed the lives of more than 2,800 U.S. troops and thousands of Iraqis, Mr. Bush said, ``Well, there's certainly going to be new leadership at the Pentagon.''

Mr. Bush lavished praise on Mr. Rumsfeld, who has spent six stormy years at the Pentagon.

Last week, in his poll campaign, Mr. Bush declared that Mr. Rumsfeld would remain at the Pentagon through the end of his term. — AP

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Democrats capture Congress
Donald Rumsfeld steps down
Revenge for madrasa attack?
LTTE using civilians as shield: army
Historic beginning to new Nepal
Hamas vows response
To head WHO
India, Guyana sign accords
Jindal makes it again

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu