Washington: Amidst intense lobbying, US on March 14 denied it was trading favours while seeking votes of undecided countries for a new UN Security Council resolution, paving way for military action against Iraq.

"There is nothing like trading favours. Sorry. We are only talking to everybody about their concerns, but this is for peace," National Security Council Advisor Condoleeza Rice told reporters.

The denial comes in the wake of reports of Pakistan demanding implementation of the Security Council resolution on Kashmir, China asking for a stoppage of US sales of arms to Taiwan, and Mexico trying to extract some favours in exchange for a positive vote.

"We are still talking, of course, to the undecided countries. Sooner or later, the Security Council has got to act or not act and so it is time for the Security Council to resolve this," she said in a rather vague response.

On what US was trying to communicate to the undecided six countries in the Security Council, Rice said, "We are trying to convey that there is a certain responsibility that comes with the Council membership, whether permanent or elected, and we are continuing to talk to people about that responsibility."

PTI