U.S. TURNS DOWN TANKS FOR LEBANON

AMMAN [MENL] -- The United States has formally rejected Jordan's request totransfer at least 50 U.S.-built tanks to Lebanon. Washington's response came after deliberations of several monthsregarding whether the U.S. tanks could be used in hostilities againstIsrael, Lebanon's southern neighbor. Southern Lebanon is controlled by theIranian-backed Hizbullah.