IMF expresses concern over corruption in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed deep concern late Wednesday over "recent events in Ukraine that could roll back progress" that was made in setting up independent institutions to tackle high level corruption.
These include the National Anticorruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).
"Fighting corruption is a key demand of the Ukrainian society, is crucial to achieving stronger and equitable growth, and is part of the government's commitment under the program with the IMF," said IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde in a statement.
She added, "We urge the Ukrainian authorities and parliament to safeguard the independence of NABU and SAPO. We also urge the authorities to move quickly with legislation to operationalize an independent anticorruption court consistent with the recommendations of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, which is essential to credibly adjudicate high-level corruption cases". (end) ak.hb