INTERNATIONAL

U.S.-Hong Kong Reach Airline Agreement: The pact, to take effect in 1997, replaces one with Britain. It “will provide for stability and expansion of the thriving U.S.-Hong Kong air transportation market as jurisdiction over the region reverts from British to Chinese control in mid-1997,� U.S. Transportation Secretary Federico Pena said. The United States will obtain the right to select carriers to provide nonstop service to Hong Kong from three more U.S. cities. The accord preserves “round the world� service that United Airlines plans to begin in December, with flights running from New York to London to India to Hong Kong to Los Angeles to New York. U.S. cargo carriers will also be able to expand their networks in the Pacific Rim, with service opportunities between Hong Kong and the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand.