WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (Hina) - A Croatian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Slavko Linic, is satisfied with the first step achieved in talks with representatives of the International Monetary Fund in Washington towards concluding a
new stand-by arrangement.
WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (Hina) - A Croatian delegation led by Deputy Prime
Minister Slavko Linic, is satisfied with the first step achieved in
talks with representatives of the International Monetary Fund in
Washington towards concluding a new stand-by arrangement. #L#
During a press conference prior to departing for Zagreb on
Wednesday, Linic mentioned that IMF officials were surprised with
the government's readiness to conclude an arrangement with the Fund
in a pre-election year. Governments are usually more concerned with
buying votes rather than realising a strictly controlled economic
programme.
Linic reiterated that the government in Zagreb primarily wishes to
achieve and leave behind good economic results.
He reiterated that during the talks, political issues were not
tackled, nor was the issue of Croatia's cooperation with the Hague-
based tribunal brought up.
Details of the stand-by arrangement will be discussed when an IMF
mission visits Croatia between October 24 and November 6.
During talks with officials of the World Bank, the Croatian
delegation agreed to using the remaining US$100 million SAL loan
for structural adaptation. The money should be withdrawn in the
first quarter in 2003.
(hina) sp it sb