When Nelson Mandela asks a favour, it is hard to refuse. So pay attention this weekend when the G7 finance ministers meet in London to see whom Madiba, as South Africa's ex-president is fondly known, sweet-talks. Invited by Britain's Gordon Brown, he has a specific role to play. The heads of government summit in July is supposed to focus on Africa. And Mr Mandela will be able to bring moral pres- sure to bear on anyone steeled against Britain's plans for more aid, debt relief and trade concessions for the continent. Watch to see whether Madiba's arm goes around the shoulders of the penny-pinching German or American representatives.
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