The two met Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister-designate Jawad al-Maliki.

Afterward, Rumsfeld said he came away "most encouraged," while Rice described al-Maliki as "very focused."

Earlier, Rumsfeld said the future U.S. troop levels in Iraq would depend on the new government.

Al-Maliki, a Shi'ite, was chosen last week to head Iraq's government, formally ending a four-month deadlock among the country's Shi'ite, Sunni, and Kurdish groups.

The United States hopes a new national unity cabinet will help pull the country out of the insurgency and sectarian strife.

RadioLiberty