IMF staff understands that Argentina has taken "important steps" to address liquidity needs and safeguard reserves, the statement by IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said.

Argentina will negotiate with holders of its sovereign bonds and the IMF to extend the maturities of its debt obligations, as a way of ensuring the country's ability to pay, Treasury Minister Hernan Lacunza said earlier on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Sandra Maler)