UPDATE 1-No plans for Argentina review - IMF spokeswoman

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WASHINGTON Oct 22 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund acknowledged on Thursday there were no current plans for the IMF to review Argentina's economy, which would help pave the way for the country's return to global debt markets.

"We have no specific plans at present for an Article IV consultation," IMF spokeswoman Caroline Atkinson told a regular briefing for reporters.

IMF Article IV economic reviews are conducted annually in each of the Fund's 186 member countries although Argentina has refused to have one in more than three years.

Now, as the country seeks to restructure its debts following a massive 2002 bond default, an IMF review has become necessary to reassure investors, and would also help restore credibility to Argentina's economic data which has been widely questioned for being politically manipulated.

The review is also an opportunity for the IMF to make amends with Argentina after several years of strained relations although the Fund is being cautious to avoid the political cross-winds that such an evaluation may entail.

Many Argentinians blame IMF policies for causing a sharp economic crisis in 2001/02 in which the country defaulted on some $100 billion in debt.

Government officials have said they will not accept any review that has conditions attached.

"Our Article IV consultation processes are fairly clear and there is a report to our executive board that reports the views of the authorities, the staff and discussions between them, and typically includes a staff appraisal," said Atkinson.

"We don't discuss political issues. We focus on economic and technical issues," she said in answer to a question from a reporter. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by W Simon )