IMF decides on deal on Feb. 23, public debt "under control"

IMF decides on deal on Feb. 23, public debt "under control"

Addressing reporters in the Serbian government, Vujovic said that the letter of intent contains the government's plan on monetary and fiscal policy, the plans for restructuring in public enterprises and the implementation of fiscal strategy as was agreed during the November visit of the IMF mission to Belgrade.

During a news conference on Friday, Vujovic spoke about Serbia's public debt to say it was "under control," as the state had sufficient funds to service its obligations.

He said that public debt reached 65.9 percent of GDP in late 2012, "discounting the exchange rate differences that happened in the meantime," while with this factor taken into account, the figure was "five percent higher."

He described the situation around public debt and its share in GDP as "a solid result." Vujovic added that Serbia was "on its way" to satisfying the Maastricht debt criteria prior to its "expected accession to the EU."

The news conference on Friday was notable for the ministry's request that reporters submit in advance any questions they would ask during the event "that were not related to the topics" stated in the invitation.

The number of questions that could be asked was also initially limited, and the minister only responded to additional ones after journalists expressed their dissatisfaction.