The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative
to Liberia, Michael A. Tharkur, has sharply reacted to the October 23, 2006
Plain Truth newspaper story captioned: “Government Stinks with Corruption,”
of which the paper allegedly quoted “credible source working with the
International Monetary Fund.”
In a communication addressed to the Plain Truth Management, a copy of which
is in the possession of The FORUM, the IMF Resident Representative said, “I
wish to state categorically that the views allegedly expressed by your source
of information, most certainly do not represent those of the IMF. The Fund
has no evidence of fraudulent expenditures by the government during June or
July 2006.”
“The IMF’s Executive Board, in its meeting on October 2, concluded
that the Liberian Government has made considerable progress implementing its
economic program, which is monitored by IMF staff, and that financial management
has been significantly strengthened since the government took office. This
is with strict adherence to a system designed to ensure that expenditures
do not exceed available revenues,” an IMF communication further noted.
“We share the commitment to accountability and transparency referred
to in your article, and accordingly request that in the future, you consult
with our office to determine the IMF’s views on Liberia. Your readers
deserve the “Plain truth,” according to IMF Resident Representative.