*EPF515 12/21/2001
Text: Joint Statement by United States, Canada and Mexico on Argentina
(Leaders express concern over Argentine financial crisis) (180)

The leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico issued a joint statement December 21 about Argentina, expressing "concern and compassion" over that country's current financial crisis. The Argentine crisis resulted in the December 20 resignation of President Fernando de la Rua, who has been succeeded by Ramon Puerta as interim president for an unspecified period.

Following is the White House text of the joint statement:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

December 21, 2001

Joint Statement by the Leaders of the United States of America, Canada and the United Mexican States on Argentina

Argentina is our neighbor and friend and we have witnessed recent events with concern and compassion. We hope that all Argentines can come together to find a solution that leads the country back to sustainable growth and prosperity. We applaud the great strength displayed by Argentina's institutions through this period, and reiterate our confidence in the country's standing as one of the Western Hemisphere's leading democracies.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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