IMF / EUROZONE

At a press briefing today, IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said that the IMF and the Managing Director have a high degree of respect for Greece, that Spain has not requested financial assistance and program talks have not begun with Hungary. IMF

• Categories: News & Features / News Stories / Unifeed
• Video Length: 00:02:15
• Production Date: 31 May 2012
• Asset Language: Original
• Corporate Name: INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND - IMF
• Subject Topical: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; FINANCING
• Geographic Subject: EUROPE
• MAMS Id: U120531d

Description

STORY: IMF: EUROZONE
TRT: 2: 15
SOURCE: IMF
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH/NATS

DATELINE: 31 MAY, 2012 WASHINGTON, DC

Shotlist

WASHINGTON, DC – RECENT

1. Wide shot, exterior, IMF

31 MAY, 2012 WASHINGTON, DC

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Gerry Rice, Director, External Relations, IMF:
“Over the past few years, the IMF has made great efforts to help support Greece to help tackle this crisis. We are deeply aware that Greece continues to face a daunting and difficult situation. We continue to believe that if all players fulfill their responsibilities and the right policies are implemented that Greece can overcome this situation and build a better future and the IMF remains fully committed to supporting Greece in this effort.”
3. Cutaway reporters
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Gerry Rice, Director, External Relations, IMF:
“Generally, the Fund’s position, as we’ve said many times, is that stronger risk-sharing mechanisms would be desirable and that financial integration would be bolstered by unified supervision, a single bank resolution authority and a common backstop and a single deposit insurance fund.”
5. Cutaway reporters
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Gerry Rice, Director, External Relations, IMF:
“I can tell you the IMF is not drawing up plans that involve financial assistance for Spain, nor has Spain requested any financial support from the IMF. Let me add that the Article IV consultation will start its visit to Spain on June 4. At that time, we will be discussing with government officials and social partners the recent economic developments and the challenges facing Spain as we do every year.”
7. Cutaway reporters
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Gerry Rice, Director, External Relations, IMF:
“No dates for a possible start for negotiations, Lesley, but we do continue to be in touch with the Hungarian authorities and the European partners on all actions needed including beyond EU treaty infringement to ensure Central Bank independence.”

WASHINGTON, DC – RECENT

9. Wide shot, exterior, IMF

Storyline

The International Monetary Fund spokesman Gerry Rice said Thursday that the IMF and Managing Director Christine Lagarde have a high level of respect for Greece, and the IMF remains committed to supporting the program with Greece.

“Over the past few years, the IMF has made great efforts to help support Greece to help tackle this crisis. We are deeply aware that Greece continues to face a daunting and difficult situation. We continue to believe that if all players fulfill their responsibilities and the right policies are implemented that Greece can overcome this situation and build a better future and the IMF remains fully committed to supporting Greece in this effort,” Rice said.

Rice also commented on the European Union proposals on the banking sector.

“Generally, the Fund’s position, as we’ve said many times, is that stronger risk-sharing mechanisms would be desirable and that financial integration would be bolstered by unified supervision, a single bank resolution authority and a common backstop and a single deposit insurance fund,” Rice said.

Rice confirmed that the Managing Director would be meeting with the Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, but said that the Fund was not drawing up plans for financial assistance for Spain.

“I can tell you the IMF is not drawing up plans that involve financial assistance for Spain, nor has Spain requested any financial support from the IMF. Let me add that the Article IV consultation will start its visit to Spain on June 4. At that time, we will be discussing with government officials and social partners the recent economic developments and the challenges facing Spain as we do every year,” Rice said.

On Hungary, Rice said that there is still no date to begin negotiations on a new program with Hungary.

“No dates for a possible start for negotiations, Lesley, but we do continue to be in touch with the Hungarian authorities and the European partners on all actions needed including beyond EU treaty infringement to ensure Central Bank independence,” Rice said.