LOC16:03
13:03 GMT
WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (KUNA) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Ukraine of slow progress it is making in reforms, threating to stop funds' support program for the nation.
"I am concerned about Ukraine's slow progress in improving governance and fighting corruption, and reducing the influence of vested interests in policymaking," IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Without a substantial new effort to invigorate governance reforms and fight corruption, it is hard to see how the IMF-supported program can continue and be successful," stressed Lagarde.
The IMF directed a four-year Extended Fund Facility, worth 17.5 billion dollars, in March last year, underpinning a series of economic reforms for the Ukraine.
Yet, "Ukraine risks a return to the pattern of failed economic policies that have plagued its recent history," Lagarde warned, reiterating that "it is vital that Ukraine's leadership acts now to put the country back on a promising path of reform." (end)
yt.rk