USD 1.2 bln would be provided only if reforms continue

International donors will allot USD 1.2 bln to Moldova only if the reforms are continued and there are progresses in several domains, stated the prime secretary of the European Commission Delegation in Moldova Paolo Berizzi within the frameworks of a conference organized by representatives in Moldova of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, held on Tuesday, December 19. „We are ready to play this game, but Moldova should be the one to strike the ball first. Otherwise there will be no ball and no game”, said Berizzi. He specified that the European Commission recognizes those progresses registered by Moldova in the last 18 months and appreciates a series of laws, plans and strategies that have been approved. On the other hand, there is little progress in implementing these initiatives, the official said. Paolo Berizzi emphasized that there are fields where political will is needed rather than foreign assistance. As examples, the official listed the fields of basic human rights and liberties, mass-media development, judicial system, competence of corruption countering bodies. IMF Resident Representative in Moldova, Johan Mathisen, mentioned that the Fund appreciates the way the Moldovan Government faces external shocks and adjusts to new conditions. He said that the new IMF programme for Moldova will be publicized in 2007. The programme will aim at eliminating the consequences of the external shocks on the economic growth and poverty reduction. Another goal of the programme will be to reduce the inflation rate to 10% level. According to Mathisen, the provisions of the document will be based on three fundamental pillars: the promotion of a stable fiscal and budgetary framework, the continuance of the monetary policies and an increased external assistance. The Minister of Economy and Commerce, Igor Dodon, attending the press conference, mentioned that 50 to 60% from the financial sources provided by donors will be oriented towards the regional and infrastructure development, 35-40% - education and healthcare. At the same time foreign funds will be used for increasing the competitiveness of Moldovan goods, and extending Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper for 2007.