International lenders are allowing Albania and Macedonia to delay foreign debt payments because of the economic impact of the Kosovo crisis.

The main creditor nations, known as the Paris Club, agreed to a French proposal to let Yugoslavia's two southern neighbours defer payments due before the end of March next year.

The announcement was made as central bankers and finance ministers from ten countries convened in Washington for a meeting of the International Monetary Fund. Among a number of issues, they're due to discuss debt relief for developing countries, and measures to help Russia overcome continuing problems with its economy