Argentina debates crisis budget

ARGENTINA - Argentine leaders are on Thursday expected to debate an austerity budget aimed at finding a way out of the country's economic crisis.

The debate in Congress comes the day after the government and the provinces agreed a key tax-sharing deal seen as crucial if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to restore funding.

Passing of the budget, for which IMF approval is also sought, might trigger the unlocking of billions of dollars from international lenders.

Fresh funds from the IMF