Argentine Leader Resigns

Voice of America, December 20, 2001

Argentine President Fernando de la Rua has resigned amid deadly riots and looting sparked by anger over government austerity measures aimed at staving off economic collapse.

Government officials say President de la Rua is preparing a statement to explain his decision. The action comes hours after his unpopular Economy Minister, Domingo Cavallo, resigned amid the turmoil erupting in the streets of many cities.

Earlier, Mr. de la Rua appeared on national television to ask the opposition Peronist Party to join him in building a national unity government. He also said if the opposition did not accept his offer he would resign.

Meanwhile, riot police firing volley and volley of tear gas have been battling hundreds of anti-government protesters in Buenos Aires. Looters have also continued to ransack homes and supermarkets nationwide. Police have made hundreds of arrests and at least 20 people have been killed, many by shopkeepers firing on looters.

On Wednesday, President de la Rua declared a 30-day state of emergency to quell the lawlessness. The order gave him the authority to restrict constitutional freedoms and ban public gatherings.

In Washington earlier, President Bush said he is concerned about events and encouraged Argentina to continue to work with the International Monetary Fund to revive the economy. Bush administration officials also say events in Argentina are being monitored closely.

The IMF has denied responsibility for the current social unrest. The lending agency cut off funding to Argentina earlier this month after the country failed to meet pre-agreed budget limits.

Argentina is in its fourth year of recession and is on the verge of defaulting on its $132 billion debt. The country also is struggling to cope with 18 percent unemployment.

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