And the President and the task force, understanding the request for that assistance, are going to take measures and steps to protect -- to protect the taxpayers, as well as seeking the best solution to put these companies back on firmer footing and on a path towards long-term viability.

WHITEHOUSE: White House Press Briefing

Also on 22 December, President Gorbachev issued a presidential decree threatening to take unspecified "necessary measures" in Moldavia unless steps were taken to end inter-ethnic conflicts in the republic.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

The result is important because governments were encouraged by the original paper to take drastic steps, such as severe austerity measures, to avoid borrowing any more money once their borrowing reached 90% of annual output.

BBC: Doubt cast on research supporting austerity