politicians about cleaning up Bermuda's former military Bases.

Ms Gordon and Finance Minister Grant Gibbons have been in Washington D.C.

pressing for America to mount a clean-up campaign.

They have been talking with high-ranking US Congressmen and Senators, arguing Bermuda's case.

"We've been receiving good advice and encouraging support,'' said Ms Gordon.

"The discussions have been very productive from our perspective and it has been useful for us to present our position.'' A key issue is the disposal of tons of asbestos collected from former US base buildings. Also discussed have been underground storage tanks which have been leaking petroleum products and the maintenance of Longbird Bridge which remains the responsibility of the US Navy.

In addition, Government believes some buildings on the Base lands are dangerous and should be demolished.

Bermuda reportedly wants legislative changes in the US to bring about an environmental clean-up.

Last night Ms Gordon and Dr. Gibbons -- who have been accompanied by Assistant Cabinet Secretary Robert Horton -- delivered a joint statement to The Royal Gazette .

Dr. Gibbons explained some of the Congressmen and Senators involved in the discussions have been supporters of Bermuda over the years.

"Others have significant roles in the Budgetary process or have a strong environmental influence.

"We feel these talks are laying the groundwork for discussions with the US Navy and will give us flexibility.

"We've been working with the Navy up to this point because they were the last tenants of the property.'' Dr. Gibbons said the talks -- yesterday and Tuesday -- were part of a series of meetings for pushing Bermuda's case.

Another round of meetings in Washington would be held next week. They would be with Secretary of the Navy John Dalton; Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy William Cassidy Jr.; and the Assistant Undersecretary of the Navy Robert Pirie who is responsible for environmental matters.

Ms Gordon also has tentative plans to meet US President Bill Clinton in the near future Almost a year ago Ms Gordon's predecessor, David Saul, met Mr. Clinton at the Oval Office after a series of talks with high-ranking Government officials.

A White House spokesman later confirmed the President had stressed the importance he placed on continuing good relations with Bermuda.

The spokesman added that the two men had "discussed the issues of concern relating to the closure of the Naval Bases in Bermuda including the environmental issues.'' Last night Dr. Gibbons declined to identify the politicians he and Ms Gordon had spoken to this week.

Premier in US But he stressed they had first-hand experience from their own states of handling the closure of Navy bases.

"It would be counter-productive to reveal the individuals. Clearly they are supporters of Bermuda's cause and we may need to rely on them to take a central role later on. "They are not the principle focus of our efforts right now. If we don't make progress we may have to rely on them for a different approach. It is the Navy we are having to work with.'' He added: "We've been updating Congressmen and Senators on the status of our negotiations with the Navy on environmental issues.

"We also tried to keep them abreast of other developments, such as the United Kingdom taking responsibility for clearing up oil at HMS Malabar.

"It think it has been useful for the Premier to clearly outline the difficulties a small country like Bermuda has in dealing with its asbestos problems.'' WOMEN WOM