Press Release No. <a name="P16_75"></a>03/183

Thomas C. Dawson, Director of External Relations at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today on the Dominican Republic:

"The first review of the Dominican Republic's Stand-By Arrangement with the Fund was delayed last month, pending further analysis of the economic implications of the government's decision to purchase two major electricity distribution companies. The independent expert panel that is looking into this issue is making good progress, and its final report is expected next week. An IMF team will thus be returning to Santo Domingo later next week to resume the discussions for the first review of the program," Mr. Dawson stated.