Strike brings Argentina to a standstill

Much of Argentina has been brought to a standstill by a general strike in protest against government spending cuts, which are being proposed to prevent the country defaulting on its foreign debt.

The authorities said most people opposed the stoppage but were prevented from getting to work by the lack of public transport.

The government says cuts in public sector wages and pensions are essential if Argentina is to recover from a three-year recession.

The BBC correspondent in Buenos Aires says there's widespread public sympathy for the pensioners in particular.

Investors have expressed fears that, unless the austerity programme sticks, Argentina might default on its multi-billion dollar debt.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service

*** PROBLEM: MORE THAN 28 WORDS IN SUMNARY ***