IMF lays out conditions for next tranche to Ukraine

The independence of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is a cornerstone of the policies that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) can support going forward.

IMF Communications Department Director Gerry Rice has stated this at a briefing in Washington, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“The establishment of an independent central bank has been a major achievement under the ongoing program with Ukraine and is a cornerstone of the policies that the IMF can support going forward. It is critical therefore that this achievement - that is the independence of the central bank [of Ukraine - Ed.] - be protected,” Rice said.

He also confirmed that the IMF mission is expected to arrive in Kyiv in early November.

“A mission will visit Kyiv in early November. And I can tell you that will be to do two things: to conduct the discussions under the third review under the IMF program but also to conduct the 2016 Article IV Consultation,” Rice noted.

In addition, he has not ruled out the possibility of allocating another tranche for Ukraine by the end of the current year.

“I think it is possible. Again, depends on progress under these discussions that will take place in early November,” Rice said.

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