ZCZC
BCN-08
IMF-VENEZUELA-ECONOMY
IMF must await recognition of Venezuelan government: spokesman
WASHINGTON, Feb 8, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – It would be “premature” for the
International Monetary Fund to consider any financial aid for Venezuela until
there is a consensus on recognizing a government in Caracas, an IMF spokesman
said Thursday.
Amid the “devastating humanitarian and economic crisis” in Venezuela,
embattled President Nicolas Maduro has been challenged by opposition leader
Juan Guaido who declared himself interim president and has been recognized by
40 governments, including the United States and European Union.
IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters that the “international community
guides official recognition,” and that is “the first step in terms of the IMF
position on Venezuela.”
But countries are still establishing their position on recognition, he
told reporters.
“We’re watching that closely. We will be guided by the membership once
they feel and we feel there is an established views,” he said.
“Before any other action could be taken that step would need to be taken.”
IMF number two David Lipton said earlier this week that the
hyperinflation, mass migration and economic contraction that have ravaged the
South American oil producer would require broad and “generous external
support” to recover from.
But Rice said “it would be premature to begin to talk about any specifics”
on types of financial instruments until the political situation has been
clarified.
He declined to explain what would be required for recognition. However, a
government must formally request IMF aid before the fund will get involved.
The IMF in 2011 took a similar position concerning Libya, delaying
engagement with the country pending the recognition of a new government after
the ouster of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
BSS/AFP/HR/0928