The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was ready to foster a rapid economic recovery in Cote d'Ivoire, IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said Thursday in a statement.
"I hope that peace and order can be restored speedily and I extend my condolences to all those who have lost family and friends," said the IMF chief, adding that he met with Finance Minister Charles Koffi Diby of the West African country during the IMF Spring Meetings taking place last week in Washington and assured Diby that the IMF would exert itself to "assist the new government in fostering a rapid and sustainable economic recovery".
"Minister Diby noted that the immediate priorities for the new administration included the restoration of law and order, the reopening of government institutions, the provision of essential public services, and the restoration of normal operations in the banking sector. A process of national reconciliation will be needed to help bring about lasting peace," according to the statement.
"The IMF stands ready to provide technical assistance and financial support to the new government," said Strauss-Kahn, adding that once the nation's authorities complete an initial assessment of conditions on the ground, IMF staff are ready to enter into discussions with the authorities on an economic recovery program for 2011.
"Financial assistance could follow once the main elements of the recovery plan have been finalized," noted Strauss-Kahn./.