INTERNATIONAL

U.S. and Canadian pressure may delay a European ban on imports of furs from animals trapped using cruel methods, diplomats said in Brussels. European Community environmental ministers are expected to vote on the proposal at a two-day meeting starting Thursday. The ban, which would go into effect in January, 1995, would apply to furs from countries where trappers use leg-hold traps and other methods considered inhumane. The United States and Canada, whose fur industries would be hurt, are lobbying to delay a ban, asking for time to develop more humane traps. The Europeans may comply, hoping to avoid a trade flap.