Some 228 British tanks for Jordan

British Defense Minister Geoffrey Hoon on Tuesday visited Amman to deliver 14 tanks, the first shipment of 288 "Challenger" tanks Jordan will receive from Britain.

Hoon, who is visiting Jordan for two days, said, "It is a real manifestation of friendship relations between the UK and Jordan. There is a long history of firm cooperation between Britain and Jordan."

He announced that this deal is an offer rather than a purchase, following the death of Jordan's King Hussein in February in order to show the British backing for its old alley (Jordan) in the Middle East. The "Challenger 1" tanks will replace "Centurion" tanks, of which Jordan has 293.

During his meeting with Hoon, King Abdullah II said it is the duty of the international community to start drawing an integrated perception for dealing with the Palestinian refugee issue. He added that this matter should be settled on "the grounds of giving the Palestinians the choice of returning or compensation."