U.S. Defense Secretary Dismisses Calls For His Resignation

(AFP) April 14, 2006 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld today dismissed calls for his resignation from former American generals.

Rumsfeld's remarks were broadcast today on the Al-Jazeera and Dubai-based Al-Arabiya television networks. Rumsfeld says if the White House changed the country's defense chief every time people disagreed with his work, the seat would be in constant rotation.

Six retired U.S. generals, including some who served in Iraq under Rumsfeld, have so far this month called for Rumsfeld to step down. Thesay Rumsfeld should be held accountable for what they describe as the chaos in Iraq.

No generals on active duty have joined the criticism of Rumsfeld.

U.S. President George W. Bush today said that he believes that Rumsfeld is doing a good job under challenging circumstances.

(compiled from agency reports)