MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Kirchner links Argentina's decadence to IMF

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner linked multilateral organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, IMF, with Argentina's decadence, but also pointed out that the country is now in the “reconstruction path” and the “recovery of international trust”.

Mr. Kirchner addressing the other thirteen world leaders who participated in the British Labour Party sponsored Reformist Summit of Progressive Governance Conference in Bagshot, Surrey, highlighted that "international organizations were very much involved" with the "decadence period" of Argentina recalling that they "proudly showed" former President Carlos Menem to the world "as an example of successful economic policies".

However, the Argentine president stressed to the progressive conference that the country is now in the path of recovering "export and import volumes, reducing poverty and indigence, and rebuilding institutionally".

Further on Mr. Kirchner assured that Argentina will overcome the default situation but warned that this will be achieved on the "basis of a sustainable program", adding that the region has the historic opportunity of developing full integration of Latinamerica and association with the European Union on equal terms".

President Kirchner answering a specific question said that Argentina has "definitively abandoned the controlled monetary policies of the nineties" and now adheres to a "free floating currency", plus promoting exports based on a strong domestic market.

During his presentation Mr. Kirchner made it a point, (as promised) to insist in requesting the resumption of sovereignty and fisheries licensing talks with the United Kingdom regarding the Falkland Islands.

"The systematic awarding of fishing licences to third parties in the South Atlantic has made Islanders immensely rich", remarked Mr. Kirchner, who apparently expressed similar arguments to British Primer Minister and host of the reformist summit, Tony Blair during their private meeting on Sunday evening.

Earlier in the afternoon the Argentine president had a private meeting with German Chancellor Gerard Schroeder who offered, "in the event of difficulties" to talk with IMF Director General and German born Horst Köhler. Argentina and the IMF still have to hammer out a long term financial support agreement since next August the current short term understanding finalizes.

Mr. Blair during his private meeting on Sunday with Mr. Kirchner also promised to help with the recovery of the Argentine economy.