Romanian Pres, PM, Fin Min Did Not Take Part In Fin Ministry Talks With IMF Mission

The IMF mission led by Jeffrey Franks arrived Wednesday at around 1100 GMT at the Finance Ministry. At the same time, the prime minister, the Finance Minister and employers’ association and trade union representatives were meeting for another discussion on the 2009 budget draft.

The IMF mission arrived just before the president, who was not included on the meeting list.

“The meeting’s agenda was mainly focused on the 2008 budget, the budget forecasts for 2009 and budget management," the Finance Ministry said Wednesday in a statement.

The Finance Ministry reiterated the ministry representatives and the IMF mission have not started negotiating a potential agreement.

President Basescu said Tuesday he announced the European Commission that Romania plans to take a EUR6-7 billion loan from the EU, under International Monetary Fund supervision.

A mission of IMF is currently in Romania on a regular visit to evaluate the overall macroeconomic situation and prospects and exchange views about policies with the new government. The mission will end on February 4.