Top aide quits Argentine cabinet

Cristina Fernandez has been in office since December

Argentina's cabinet chief has resigned just days after the Senate rejected government plans to increase taxes on agricultural exports.

Alberto Fernandez, a key aide to President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, tendered his resignation after days of speculation.

President Fernandez accepted his offer, Argentine state news agency Telam said.

Last Friday, the president cancelled the controversial taxes which had provoked months of protest by farmers.

A day earlier, the Senate had narrowly rejected the government's proposals in a vote following more than 16 hours of debate.

Farmers said the taxes would be crippling, but the government said they were needed to fight poverty.

Argentina is a major producer of soya, grains and beef, which fetch high prices on international markets.

The dispute between the government and farmers began in March, when President Fernandez's government raised taxes on soya exports from 35% to 45%, and imposed new taxes on other farm exports.

Mr Fernandez had played a central role in talks with farmers' leaders, Argentine newspaper La Nacion reports.

Agriculture Minister Javier de Urquiza resigned on Monday.

President Fernandez came to office last December, succeeding her husband Nestor Kirchner.