The most obvious such force is foreign pressure for technology transfer, pressure that usually emanates from foreign governments and is usually orchestrated by them.

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The number four seed was becoming agitated, repeatedly gesticulating to his support team in the stands, but he retained sufficient composure to avert the danger and transfer the pressure back on to Ferrer's shoulders.

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It would be far easier for Italy to reduce its government budget deficit and trim its national debt, both required if it is to join in the single currency starting in 1999, without the constant pressure to transfer yet more resources to the south.

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Meanwhile, in a webchat on the club's official website, chief executive David McNally confirmed that "work is well underway in attempting to complete some business" in the transfer market, but insisted Lambert is not under pressure to sell his top players and that no offers have yet to come in for any City player.

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But if passed, they believe it will put pressure on countries involved in the export or transfer of arms to scrutinise more rigorously both the potential use of weapons and what the consequences of their use might be, such as breaches of human rights.

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However, under pressure from Iraqi politicians, Mr Bremer agreed last November to bring forward the transfer to self-rule to this month.

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As Ambassador Alan Wendt, the State Department's senior official for technology transfer matters, prepares to depart for a series of consultations next week with key COCOM partners, the pressure is on to show an American willingness to be "flexible" on further decontrol proposals.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy