But not everyone is eager to create a true international lender of last resort.

These days, they worry a good deal about satisfying the international lenders who hold the paper on Pakistan's debt.

"They've got to start negotiating at once to deal with this mess," another international lender said.

The moves could complicate talks next week with international lenders.

Some other groups noted that 44 more countries were still burdened by debt to international lenders.

For one thing, Bulgaria had the unqualified support of international lenders.

What interest rate would international lenders fix for Scotland's debt?

Over the last year, international lenders have grown increasingly impatient with the high military spending of many developing countries.

Brazil signed a $41.5 billion accord with international lenders in November 1998.

The state company also hopes to find financing for its remaining share from international lenders.