we'd like to see syria's chemical weapons declared and of course we'd like to see them transferred to international control. the problem is syrian government has been uncooperative. they haven't declared stockpiles, used chemical weapons. we would take with scepticism any statements on this matter. again, we will look at this proposal. i just make clear, kristen, it's a very important point, the fact is this hasn't been put forward for over a year now. the russians have not been a constructive partner trying to deal with chemical weapons in syria over the last year. only now faced with the threat of u.s. military action that we're even having this discussion. i think that makes it all the more important we continue to move forward, continue to seek this authorization from congress and continue to send a message to assad that there will be consequences for his use of chemical weapons. if we don't do, that you can be certain he will take a green light to continue to use these weapons and certainly won't be likely to transfer them to international control. >> ben, just to put a fine point on this, you say you will have discussions. have discussions already begun