IMF Praises Belarus Economic Policy, Sees September Stand-by
The Acting Managing Director of the IMF, Stanley Fischer, made
the following statement on the Republic of Belarus:
"During August 22-23, a delegation from the Republic of Belarus,
headed by Deputy Prime Minister Miasnykovich and National Bank
President Bogdankevich held discussions in Washington with senior
staff of the International Monetary Fund and myself on the economic
situation and economic policies in Belarus. Management and staff of
the IMF noted the very considerable progress achieved in economic
stabilization and reform by Belarus over the past several months and
considered the economic program formulated by the government for
the period ahead to be a strong one.
"The government has requested the support of the IMF under a
stand-by arrangement for these policies. Virtually all key issues
have been resolved satisfactorily, including by Belarus' strenuous
recent efforts to meet its international payments obligations.
Technical discussion of certain aspects is, however, continuing.
"On the basis of the progress already made in the discussions, I
am confident that the remaining points will be quickly resolved and
that Belarus' request for a stand-by arrangement could be considered
by the Executive Board of the Fund no later than September 12, 1995.
The Executive Directors of the Fund are informed of these discussions,
including through a communication from Mr. Miasnykovich and
Mr. Bogdankevich."