KOSOVO PREMIER HOLDS TALKS OP OPENING OF IMF OFFICE IN PRISTINA

PRISTINA, Sept 23 (Hina) - Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi on Monday spoke with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about the possibility of the organisation opening its office in Pristina, the premier's office reported. #L# Rexhepi said the IMF had already begun working in Kosovo, and relations had already been established between the government and the UN civilian administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), and between the Finance Ministry and the Kosovo central tax administration regarding the tax rate and budget for 2003, the office said in a statement. The IMF delegation lead by assistant director of the IMF European department, Dimitri Demekis, relayed that the IMF had established good cooperation with the Kosovo government and UNMIK. The key message which will be given with the first report is that tax discipline is needed. Also, budgetary sources must be identified to cover the needs, Demekis said. (hina) lml