11.   The court, meeting at its seat in Karlsruhe, threw out constitutional challenges to the law by five foreigners whose asylum petitions were rejected by German authorities.

12.   The INS also has rejected a second asylum petition filed last week on behalf of Elian by Lazaro Gonzalez.

13.   The INS, meanwhile, rejected a second asylum petition filed this week on behalf of Elian by his Florida relatives.

14.   The Interior Ministry said that while the asylum petitions were being processed the nine would be allowed to stay in Spain.

15.   The Interior Ministry said that while the asylum petitions were being processed, the nine would be allowed to stay in Spain.

16.   The INS also rejected a second asylum petition filed last week on behalf of Elian by his great-uncle, Lazaro Gonzalez.

17.   The INS also rejected a second asylum petition filed last week on behalf of Elian by Lazaro Gonzalez.

18.   The ministry said it was unable to confirm the reports because asylum petitions are confidential.

19.   The ministry spokeswoman said the men would be allowed to stay in Spain while the asylum petitions were being processed.

20.   The ministry said that while the asylum petitions were being processed the eight would be allowed to stay in Spain.