Argentine Minister: Argentina May Sell Bonds To Local Banks

BUENOS AIRES (Dow Jones)--The Argentine government is considering selling a new series of bonds to local banks, Economy Minister Amado Boudou told La Red radio late Thursday. "We're looking for the greatest number of possible measures to have access to voluntary credit markets as soon as possible," Boudou said. Argentina is also working on a proposal for holders of about $20 billion in defaulted debt who refused to accept a 2005 swap. 

The government hopes that resolving the conflict with the so-called holdouts will allow it to return to international credit markets next year. Argentina has been unable to place bonds overseas since its massive default in 2002. Efforts are also underway to reach a deal with the Paris Club of lending nations, which hold $6.7 billion in defaulted Argentine debt. -By Shane Romig, Dow Jones Newswires; 54-11-4103-6738; shane.romig@dowjones.com Sorce:wsj.com/