Argentina crisis plan approved

The Argentine Senate has voted in favour of a package of austerity measures aimed at resolving the country's severe economic crisis.

The measures have been put forward by President Fernando de la Rua in an attempt to balance the budget, stimulate economic growth and calm the fears of international investors.

They include radical cuts in public sector salaries, spending cuts and tax increases.

With unemployment at almost 18%, Argentina is facing what some analysts have described as the worst social crisis in the country's history.

In recent months, there have been fears that it would default on its $128bn foreign debt, triggering uncertainty in "emerging markets' - developing countries seen as having strong economic potential.