WAR IN UKRAINE Putin says ready to discuss China's Ukraine plan at Xi talks 20-03-2023 15:12 President Vladimir Putin tells Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that Russia was open to discussing China's proposals to end the fighting in Ukraine.
CENTRAL BANK Argentina raises key rate to 78% for first time since September 16-03-2023 17:43 Argentina raised its benchmark rate on Thursday for the first time since September after annual inflation surpassed 100%.
IMF DEBT DEAL Argentina seeks fresh IMF approval – and US$5 billion in funds 21-02-2023 15:58 Top officials head to Washington for talks with IMF over latest quarterly review; Government needs to boost reserves amid strong foreign currency outflows and punishing drought that has wrecked agricultural harvest projections.
CRISIS IN VENEZUELA Maduro administration to resume talks with Venezuelan opposition 24-11-2022 01:27 Negotiations between the two sides last took place in October 2021 in Mexico, and international efforts have mounted in recent months to get the talks back on track.
INTERVIEW / PERIODISMO PURO Kelly 'Raquel' Olmos: ‘Argentina has an exemplary labour movement’ 05-11-2022 06:10 New Labour Minister Kelly 'Raquel' Olmos on Argentina’s labour movement, employment rights, collective bargaining, and Alberto Fernández’s re-election hopes. by Jorge Fontevecchia
LABOUR TENSIONS Strike off as teamsters secure 107% pay hike in wage talks 27-10-2022 19:28 Threat of national strike extinguished as Camioneros, led by the Moyanos, secure 107 percent pay hike and a bonus of 100,000 pesos for union members.
LABOUR TENSIONS Wage talks, inflation, union divisions: Orange alert as October heats up 12-10-2022 22:39 Runaway three-digit wage increases impact on multiple fronts. Tussle among unions to clinch the biggest wage hikes, conflict between the CGT and leftist groupings over increasingly poor wage-earners. The business world watches on, fearing escalation. by Juan Pablo Kavanagh
DEBT TALKS Paris Club requires Argentina stick to IMF deal to rework debt 07-07-2022 14:20 Paris Club group of wealthy creditors says government must give assurances that it will comply with IMF deal if talks over restructuring of debt are to continue.
New Era in Colombia Colombian president-elect proposes 'ceasefire,' talks with ELN 06-07-2022 15:46 Colombia's leftist president-elect Gustavo Petro proposes a "bilateral ceasefire" with the violence-stricken country's last active guerrilla group, the ELN.
US-Venezuela relations Maduro: US delegation arrives in Venezuela to discuss 'bilateral agenda' 28-06-2022 09:20 Delegation from the United States arrives in Venezuela for talks, extending discussions between Caracas and Washington initiated in March.
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF board approves first review of Argentina debt programme 24-06-2022 16:15 Executive board of International Monetary Fund signs off on first quarterly review, approving Martín Guzmán figures for US$44.5-billion debt programme and paying way for new disbursement of funds.
IMF PROGRAMME Argentina clears first review as IMF paves way for US$4-billion in funds 09-06-2022 00:34 IMF confirms it has reached a staff-level agreement with Argentina that will unlock US$4.03 billion in funding; Multilateral lender says government “met all qualitative targets in first quarter."
DEBT RESTRUCTURING Argentina formalises debt repayment deferment with Paris Club 31-05-2022 13:07 President Alberto Fernández's government reaches a deal with the Paris Club to postpone payments on more than US$2 billion of debt for more than two years.
IMF DEBT IMF: Targets in Argentina’s debt deal ‘have not changed’ 19-05-2022 16:09 Fund Spokesperson Gerry Rice says staff are making “good progress” in review of debt restructuring deal, but that its “objectives have not changed.”
IMF DEBT Government trusts in recalibration as IMF audits accounts 17-05-2022 15:57 Official data revealed six percent inflation for April; Once chapter of raising public utility rates is closed, International Monetary Fund will focus on nation’s deficient accumulation of reserves.
BLOOMBERG Argentina’s US$44-billion debt plan remains unchanged despite shocks, IMF says 26-04-2022 17:19 Targets in recently minted US$44-billion agreement will remain unchanged even as some assumptions of the programme may be revised, says IMF Western Hemisphere Director Ilan Goldfajn.
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF admits new Argentina debt deal faces ‘high risks’ 01-04-2022 19:50 Gerry Rice, spokesman for the multilateral lender, concedes agreement faces “high risks” due to social and economic situation, war in Ukraine.
IMF DEBT DEAL Argentina receives US$9.7B after IMF board signs off on debt deal 25-03-2022 20:36 IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warns that “risks” lie ahead, concedes “early recalibration” of programme may be necessary.
BLOOMBERG - ANALYSIS IMF approves Argentina’s US$45-billion deal already facing risks 25-03-2022 16:40 The International Monetary Fund has approved Argentina’s US$45-billion agreement, the final step to cement a deal that’s already facing economic and political challenges.
PARIS CLUB DEBT Postponement of Paris Club debt payment gives breathing room 23-03-2022 15:39 Argentina's government has secured an extension of an agreement with the Paris Club group of rich nations that allows it to postpone an imminent payment of about US$2 billion.
DEBT RESTRUCTURING Argentina extends Paris Club talks over US$2 billion to June 30 23-03-2022 14:02 Argentina reaches an agreement Tuesday with a group of wealthy nations known as the Paris Club to finalise by June 30 a repayment programme on US$2 billion of debt.
DEBT RESTRUCTURING Argentina to resume Paris Club talks over US$2-billion debt 22-03-2022 15:50 Argentina is resuming negotiations this week with a wealthy group of nations known as the Paris Club over US$2 billion in outstanding debt as a grace period ends.
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF board to meet Friday to discuss Argentine debt deal 19-03-2022 18:46 The International Monetary Fund announced Saturday that its board of directors will discuss Argentina’s US$45-billion agreement on March 25, the final step of approval after two years of negotiations.
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF admits Ukraine war will impact targets in Argentina’s new programme 18-03-2022 17:50 International Monetary Fund admits economic consequences of Russia's attack on Ukraine will likely impact upon targets outlined in Argentina’s new financing programme.
IMF DEBT DEAL Senate approves IMF deal, now goes to board vote 18-03-2022 09:10 In a 56-13 vote with three abstentions, senators approve legislation underpinning Argentina’s latest IMF programme.
IMF DEBT DEAL Senate set to open debate on government's IMF bill 13-03-2022 21:25 IMF bill due to reach Senate Budget Committee on Monday, with the ruling coalition wanting it approved by the end of the week.
IMF DEBT DEAL PROTESTS Fernández de Kirchner hits out at ‘paradoxical’ attack on her Senate office 11-03-2022 16:40 Vice-president and Senate chief expresses dismay at "paradoxical" attack on her Senate office during protests against government's International Monetary Fund debt bill.
LAWMAKERS DEBATE DEBT DEAL IN CONGRESS Senate prepares to debate IMF deal after lower house backs bill 11-03-2022 16:25 Upper house to begin debate on bill on Monday, with government seeking approval before start of following week, when US$2.9-billion maturity is due.
IMF DEBT DEAL Lawmakers in lower house approve deal with IMF to repay debt 11-03-2022 10:07 Lawmakers in the lower house approve a deal with the International Monetary Fund to restructure US$45-billion debt; Senate must still vote to back deal.
IMF DEBT DEAL Argentina’s IMF deal bill passes in lower house, heads to Senate 11-03-2022 09:24 In early hours of Friday morning, Argentina's lower house of Congress approved bill underpinning government’s US$45-billion agreement with the IMF.
IMF DEBT DEAL Lower house prepares to vote on IMF deal, approval likely 10-03-2022 23:16 Argentina's lower house on track to approve government's deal to restructure its US$45-billion debt with the International Monetary Fund in a session just after midnight; Senate still to vote; Protesters clash with police during demonstrations against deal outside Congress.
IMF DEBT DEAL Government asks Congress to speed through passage of IMF deal 08-03-2022 21:17 President Alberto Fernández's government calls on Congress to "speed up" the treatment of its bill to refinance Argentina's US$45-billion debt with the International Monetary Fund.
IMF DEBT DEAL Deputies to start debating IMF deal as key week gets underway 07-03-2022 10:23 After months of negotiation between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Argentina's Congress will finally begin to officially debate a bill outlining the new financing programme this week.
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF bill reaches Congress to a backdrop of uncertainty 04-03-2022 23:32 Bill outlining agreement between Argentina and the IMF sent to lower house; Doubts persist over support from Kirchnerite lawmakers in ruling coalition; Opposition says it will wait to hear presentation from Guzmán.
IMF DEBT DEAL Argentina would receive US$9.8B in first IMF disbursement, says Guzmán 04-03-2022 23:00 Argentina's government will receive about US$9.8 billion in a first disbursement from the International Monetary Fund if its new financing programme is approved, Economy Minister Martín Guzmán said on Friday.
IMF DEBT DEAL Government posts IMF bill documents ahead of Congress debate 04-03-2022 22:58 Argentina on Friday released the text of a memorandum of understanding and accompanying documents that are part of the agreement it has reached with International Monetary Fund.
IMF DEBT DEAL Details of the IMF agreement that the government has sent to Congress 04-03-2022 18:22 Agreement foresees Argentina registering inflation of up to 48% this year, economic growth of 4.5% and receiving IMF disbursements of more than US$24 billion until end of 2022.
BLOOMBERG Argentina inks US$45-billion staff-level IMF deal in key step 03-03-2022 21:02 Staff-level accord, which includes commitments to narrow fiscal deficit and money-printing while unwinding energy subsidies, will seek to address “persistent” high inflation and public finances.
IMF DEBT TALKS Argentina says it has overcome energy-fee hurdle in IMF agreement 03-03-2022 15:12 Argentina has hammered out an agreement with the International Monetary Fund over how to handle energy subsidies, presidential spokeswoman Gabriela Cerruti said on Thursday.
Iranian nuclear dispute Iran beckons top IAEA official with nuclear deal in sight 03-03-2022 13:05 Top Iranian leaders will meet on Saturday with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the international official in charge of investigating their nation’s past nuclear activities.
IMF DEBT DEAL Argentina’s draft IMF agreement heads to Congress 02-03-2022 23:46 Sources close to Lower House Speaker Sergio Massa confirm to local media outlets that a bill outlining Argentina’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund will be sent to Congress this Thursday.
IMF DEBT DEAL Argentina has reached a deal with IMF staff, says president 01-03-2022 22:01 President Alberto Fernández announces government has reached an agreement with the staff of the International Monetary Fund on details needed to refinance the country’s loan with the Washington organisation.
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF and Argentina engaged in ‘intense negotiations,’ says Fund official 18-02-2022 20:54 Government wants to send a bill to Congress containing details of a new IMF financing programme “before March,” according to Casa Rosada sources.
'MARCH THE TERRIBLE' Sense of dread grows in Argentina with difficult March ahead 18-02-2022 18:52 Crucial factors come into play next month. Soaring inflation, strained reserves, debate over the IMF deal and public-service tariffs are making March into a pressure cooker.
IMF DEBT DEAL Government wants to send IMF deal to Congress before start of March 18-02-2022 01:47 Casa Rosada sources say they hope negotiations with IMF staff over a new financing programme will be completed “in a matter of days.”
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF board to discuss progress in Argentina programme on Wednesday 15-02-2022 21:30 The International Monetary Fund’s board of directors will meet on Wednesday to discuss the state of negotiations with Argentina.
IMF DEBT DEAL IMF risking its reputation with 'disappointing' Argentina deal, says former Fund official 15-02-2022 13:25 Ex-director of IMF's Western Hemisphere Department criticises "weak" and "disappointing" agreement between multilateral lender and Argentina, warning it is likely to go "off-track."
IMF DEBT DEAL 'Act of good sense' – President praises opposition support for IMF deal 12-02-2022 21:26 President Alberto Fernández praises opposition coalition's support for new IMF financing programme. saying he considered it to be an "act of good sense."
IMF DEBT DEAL Government, opposition tell IMF Argentina is ready to ‘meet its obligations’ 12-02-2022 09:59 Rare signs of unity as Frente de Todos and Juntos por el Cambio indicate they will support IMF agreement in Congress; Fund spokesman says staff are working closely with government officials to secure new financing deal "as quickly as possible." by James Grainger
INTERVIEW / PERIODISMO PURO Sergio Chodos: ‘The 2018 agreement left us Argentines with nothing’ 11-02-2022 00:01 Executive Director for the Southern Cone at the IMF explains in detail how the agreement was reached, anticipating some of the fine print and unfolding the government’s economic vision. by Jorge Fontevecchia