Environment Minister Pamela Gordon should focus on getting the UK to help Bermuda solve its asbestos problem, rather than on Greenpeace activities.

Rami Parmentier, political advisor to the international environmental watchdog, suggested this yesterday when contacted in London about the ongoing row between the group and Government over plans to dump asbestos in the ocean.

Government wants to dump 165 containers of asbestos, from private and public buildings, 18 miles off the Island in 12,000 feet at sea.

But Government was forced to reconsider its plans following a storm of protest from the Progressive Labour Party and Greenpeace.

One option was for Government to ship the asbestos to another country which would agree to bury it. But Britain has already said it would cost at least $5 million to ship asbestos there.

And Ms Gordon has stated that it would cost taxpayers between $3 million and $5 million to ship the substance to the US, not including the cost of a possible class action suit if any American became sick as a result of the asbestos.

Greenpeace replies Earlier this week she told The Royal Gazette she was hopeful that Bermuda could get a commitment out of Greenpeace -- at an International Maritime Organisation meeting in London -- to back off from any criticisms of Bermuda by presenting a UK document which stated that Britain was anti-dumping but will take into account special cases, like Bermuda.

But after presenting letters from relevant ministers and the UK document, she said Greenpeace was still not satisfied.

"Greenpeace is still waiting to get more documentation from the convention,'' said Ms Gordon, who along with Deputy Governor Peter Willis and Environment Permanent Secretary James Burnett-Herkes also highlighted the problems of other small countries facing similar difficulties.

"We came to the table as honest as can be. We supplied them with everything they requested, including a document which outlined the UK's position on dumping,'' she said. "Every time we satisfy the request that they are asking for, they make another request.'' Mr. Parmentier told The Royal Gazette Greenpeace realised Bermuda's predicament, but did not believe dumping the asbestos in the ocean was a solution.

"While we have always acknowledged that it was important to take into account the needs of small island states,...we believe the UK and other countries could and should help Bermuda to resolve this asbestos problem.'' Despite the fact that a majority of countries at the meeting were expected to sign a new protocol which will set out ways of protecting the world's environment, he said: "At the moment our suggestions do not seem to have been taken into full account.

"We're not entirely surprised because this meeting could not deal with the whole issue. That should be done at the consultative meeting of the IMO which will not take place until the middle of 1997.'' He stressed that while Greenpeace did not generally favour the transport of hazardous substances over long distances, it urged the UK to take Bermuda's asbestos, given the special needs of Bermuda.

Referring to the $5 million price tag Britain has quoted for shipping the asbestos, Mr. Parmentier said: "What is a lot of money for Bermuda is a small amount for the UK.

"Pamela Gordon has raised the question of liability. This is again a matter of political will on the part of the UK.'' While Greenpeace realised the dilemma for small countries and has been "cooperating'' with governments to achieve the new protocol, Mr. Parmentier admitted: "We're not completely satisfied with it.'' Ms Gordon has said she is prepared to have Bermuda wait until the new protocol was ratified before disposing of the asbestos.

She pointed out that the new protocol will specify that each country would have to argue its case for dumping waste.

"But,'' she said, "we have been told it will be tighter and more helpful to small island states in relation to our problems of the disposal of asbestos, steel and building waste.'' Once the new protocol was ratified, she added, Greenpeace will have no cause to demonstrate against Bermuda.

But Mr. Parmentier argued: "The discussions which took place did not indicate that this view was accepted by the parties participating in the conference.

"What was shared was the concern of small countries who had to dispose of industrial waste.'' He stressed that while Bermuda's asbestos appeared to be a large quantity to the Island, it was not for the UK.

"Ms Gordon should gear her effort toward the UK,'' Mr. Parmentier said. "If the UK wants to show regard for the environmental problem of Bermuda, they should act in a responsible manner and take that stuff.''