Get pected to reach the floor within the near future. The United States had origi- nally agreed to provide more than $260 million, or 21 percent, of the bank's start-up capital over five years. The money was to finance infrastructure projects in Egypt, Jordan, Israel or autonomous Palestinian areas. Mr. Peres had lobbied strenu- ously on behalf of the bank, and by getting Arab countries to en- dorse the notion, turned around the Clinton administration to sup- port the endeavor. Yet, so far, the Netanyahu gov- ernment has not prioritized the bank. While some say the issue was raised in the Cabinet with a view by some that it should be supported, it remains unclear whether Mr. Netanyahu will now personally fight for the bank or only voice pro forma backing. Republicans in Congress have been generally more skeptical of regional development banks and slashed U.S. support for other such regional banks for the next fiscal year. The Clinton administration still favors the bank, but so far its view has not been accepted by any con- gressional committee. Pharmaceuticals In Israel Jerusalem (JPFS) — An "average basket" of pharmaceuticals is cheaper in Israel than in Europe and in the United States, accord- ing to a survey conducted by the Manufacturers Association phar- maceutical branch. Moshe Manor, branch chairman, said that the average basket of drugs in Eng- land is 19 percent higher than in Israel, while in Belgium and in Holland, the cost is 69 percent and 92 percent higher respectively. Contrary to "myths" about pill- popping Israelis, Mr. Manor said that annual per capita use of med- ications in Israel is among the low- est in the world. The survey compared local usage with 18 western European countries and the United States. Open your account before August 15,1996 and earn a New Account Bonus of 0/0 1..0 0 until October 31,1996. GUARANTEED MARKET RATE ACCOUNT • Money Market Fund rates or better—guaranteed • Convenient ATM access • FDIC insured up to $100,000 • $15,000 balance required Call or stop by any Old Kent Bank branch office to open an account. 1-800-882-1650 CI OLD KENT "The APY with bonus was 5.09% as of July 14, 1996. When the balance of this account is S15,000 or more, the interest rate on this account is guaranteed to equal or exceed ) a service of IBC/Donoghue, the most current rate reported as "IBC'S MONEY FUND REPORT AVERAGES - - First Tier Seven Day Yield" in IBC'S MONEY FUND REPORT; Inc. On days when the account balance is under $15,000, the annual percentage yield (APY) will be 2.02%. The APY may change after the account is opened. S15,000 minimum opening balance. Fees could reduce earnings. We may restrict the maximum deposit, retail deposits only. Other restrictions may apply. This offer MAN LENDER available through Old Kent Bank—Metro Detroit branch offices, Lansing and Illinois. Member FDIC. ©Old Kent Bank 1996. Cr Complete Financial Services Prices among the lowest in the world. Each Israeli uses an average of $94 worth of medications per year compared with $284 in the United States, $245 in France, $231 in Germany, $226 in Italy, $205 in Switzerland, $154 in Canada, $123 in Holland and $112 in Britain. Only in Ireland ($76) and in Greece ($89) are the figures lower. During the past six years, the Price of drugs has eroded by an average of 33 percent compared with the cost-of-living index, Mr. Manor added. PaineWebber We invest in relationships. Gerald E. Naftaly Vice President-Investments 32300 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 150 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (810) 851-1001 or (800) 533-1407 (CLOSET COMPANY) ► IT INC. Foremost in Design, Installation and Service 6 2 6 - 5 5 2 0