LEAK ENDANGERS MISSILE DEAL

The US State Department has confirmed that America is discussing new arms sales to Saudi Arabia, including the supply of additional air-to-air Sidewinder missiles. However, the Department declined to confirm a 'Washington Post' report that the Saudis had informally requested almost 3,000 Sidewinders at an estimated cost approaching $270m. According to US officials quoted by the paper, the US Administration is 'favourably disposed' towards the missile deal but does not want to submit it to Congress until next year.