Nairobi — United States has kicked two sub-Saharan African countries out of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

A top US trade official said Eritrea and Central African Republic had been thrown out of the pact due to violation of eligibility requirements.

Ms Florizelle B. Liser, the US assistant Trade Representative for Africa said expulsion of the two countries from the enhanced market access agreement underscores the seriousness with which the administration views the eligibility criteria.

She said President George Bush, using powers bestowed on him under the Act had discontinued the participation of the two countries following the annual interagency eligibility review.

Eritrea's expulsion has been attributed to the deterioration of human rights and lack of progress towards the rule of law and political pluralism in the country. Central Africa's expulsion has on the other hand been prompted by the March 2003 overthrow of the government. Liser said it was the first time that previously eligible countries had been removed from the Agoa list. She was presenting a paper at a consultative meeting of trade ministers from 12 African countries that ended in Nairobi yesterday.

The forum was organized by Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC). To remain an eligible beneficiary of the Agoa pact, a country is required to, among other things encourage investment and trade, maintain political stability and observe the rule of law.