encrypted assertions

[Mark K. Miller]

Please forgive me if this has already been answered on this list.  I 
suspect it has been, but I'm sure it would easily elude my searching 
'skills.'

If an implementation claims to support SAML2 but does not support 
encrypted assertions, can that claim be completely correct?

Phrasing the intent of my question another way (just in case I'm too 
confusing for anyone,) are encrypted assertions part of the SAML protocol 
spec?

Those who know my protocol expertise will know anything much beyond single 
word, single syllable answers are likely to confuse me further.

Thanks,

Max