News In Brief

EC and third-world nations hone terms on renewing pact

Ministers from the European Community and 64 third-world countries met separately Wednesday to complete negotiating positions on renewing their trade and aid pact. The two sides hope to sign their third pact in the Togolese capital of Lome Dec. 7. It will replace the second Lome agreement, between the 10-nation Community and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific states, expiring in February.

Meanwhile, European Community ministers have paved the way for quicker border crossings of goods and people but remain divided on how to work together for a healthier environment. Current delays at Community borders cost about $13 billion yearly because of extensive bureaucracy.