IMF Experts Believe Russia Is Good Borrower

On Thursday the Russian Finance Ministry made the last payment this year in the amount of about USD 24.615 million on debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Finance Ministry reported that the payment was made in compliance with the schedule. The previous payment in the amount of USD 24.607 million was made on December 17th. In accordance with the schedule of payments for 2001, Russia must repay USD 2.67 billion to the IMF. Russia's debt to the Fund made USD 8.347 billion as of late October. According to preliminary estimates, the debt to the Fund will be reduced to USD 7.69 billion by December 31st taking into account early payments on debt to the IMF. The IMF notes that Russia honours its obligations on payments to the Fund and early payments made two months ago testify that Russia is a good borrower.