U.S. REASSURES SAUDIS OVER MILITARY TIES

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The Bush administration has reassured Saudi Arabia thatWashington does not intend to reduce its military relations with thekingdom. The administration has relayed messages to Saudi leaders that Washingtondoes not intend to take any measure that would hurt the U.S. military ordefense relations with Riyad. Officials said they wanted to reassure Riyadthat the news reports that the administration was considering a withdrawalof U.S. troops from the kingdom did not reflect on any downgrade ofbilateral ties.