We prove that spacetimes satisfying the vacuum Einstein equations on a mani
fold of the form Sigma x U(1) x R, where Sigma is a compact surface of genu
s G > 1 and where the Cauchy data is invariant with respect to U(1) and suf
ficiently small exist for an infinite proper time in the expanding directio
n. (C) 2001 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsev
ier SAS.