Government Determined To Be Free Of IMF

The program "Transition to a Powerful Economy," which has been under the supervision of the IMF for three years, will be valid until December 2004. The IMF wants this period to continue until December 2006.

The IMF proposal did not find the support it anticipated from the Turkish government. Stating that it had the determination to continue the economic program without IMF support as of 2005, the government made clear its preference to convey a final decision to the IMF at a time closer to the expiration date of the existing agreement, thus allowing for flexibility in line with ever-changing economic conditions. Advocating that the time for breaking ties with the IMF are getting closer, a minister said: "The works go well. Because of this, the IMF wants to renew our marriage. However, we are determined to get a divorce."

Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy Chairman Bulent Gedikli said the party did not have a positive opinion about a new agreement with the IMF. Gedikli said: "Turkey should form an economic substructure that no longer requires the support of IMF programs. The IMF is a result, not a cause." Gedikli stated that Turkey had the potential for keeping its economy alive and for repaying its debts without IMF assistance.

Omer Sahin / Ankara / TURKEY