BAKU, Azerbaijan, Aug 12, SPA -- U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld thanked Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliev onThursday for his country's support in the war on terrorism. Rumsfeld spoke with Aliev on a trip to visit U.S. alliesin the region. Defense Minister Gen. Col. Safar Abiyev assured Rumsfeldthat his country is committed to keeping 150 soldiers inIraq.--SPA1343 Local Time 1043 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/191225