Argentine president quits amid economic chaos

Argentina's president Fernando De la Rua has submitted his resignation, following the collapse of his government.

The news comes amid deadly rioting and looting sparked by widespread anger over his handling of a deepening economic crisis.

Senate president Ramon Puerta is expected to be named interim president when Mr De la Rua's resignation is finalised.

The resignation follows two days of clashes between police and protesters which has left 20 dead.

Earlier in the day, police battled hundreds of demonstrators in the streets of Buenos Aires, while looters ransacked homes and supermarkets nationwide.

Authorities have arrested more than 2,000 people nationwide, including 350 in the capital.

Officials say the resignation must be approved by Congress before taking effect.

Politicians are, however, expected to accept Mr De la Rua's decision to step down, two years earlier than the end of his term.

Reports from Argentina say his last-minute efforts to cobble together a "national unity" government with the major opposition party were meeting resistance.

He said he was open to changes in economic and social policies to restore peace and defend the country's democratic institutions.