Argentina to announce economic measures - govt spokesman

Argentina's Government will announced the proposed economic measures today "if possible", government spokesman Juan Pablo Baylac said at a news conference.

He gave no time at which they could be announced but said they will concern "the voluntary restructuring" of Argentina's public debt, which is about $132bn.

The measures will include a social programme, with subsidies for the poorest sectors, Baylac said.

President Fernando de la Rua had several meetings yesterday, notably with predecessor Raul Alfonsin, and all visitors had been told about the measures the government is preparing to carry out, the spokesman added.