><http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-603357,00.html>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-603357,00.html
>
which contains the revealing passage:
>Western diplomats are confident that all three African members of
>the Council will now vote in favour of the resolution rather than
>risk the loss of substantial trade, aid packages and security
>guarantees.
>
>One lever being used against Guinea and Cameroon is the Africa
>Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which gives preferential access
>to US markets for African exporters. Agoa requires beneficiaries
>"not to engage in activities that undermine US national security or
>foreign policy interests". Angola has not yet been deemed eligible
>for Agoa's trade benefits because of its record on human rights
>abuses and corruption, but inclusion in the scheme is being offered
>as a reward for its compliance on the Iraq issue.
>
>Angola receives millions of dollars a year in US assistance. Guinean
>troops are being trained in border defence operations against
>Liberia by US instructors, while Cameroon, which also takes part in
>the US military training programme, is heavily reliant on IMF and
>World Bank support.
>
>Officially, the three African countries have indicated their support
>for a "peaceful resolution" of the Iraq crisis.
>
>Pakistan's relationship with America is even more critical to its
>economy and security. President Musharraf and key members of his
>leadership are seen as some of the US's closest South Asia allies.
>
>The Foreign Ministers of Mexico and Chile openly criticised Iraq for
>non-co-operation yesterday.
>
>Polls suggest that 90 per cent of Mexicans favour giving the UN
>weapons inspectors more time to do their job, but economic reality
>may prevail. Mexico relies on the US market for 80 per cent of its
>exports.