In connection with the departure of Mr. Rosenberg , Resident Representative of the IMF, the International Monetary Fund together with the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan announce the following:

Mr. Rosenberg's departure is due to the expiration of his term as Resident Representative in April. The IMF remains fully committed to cooperate with and assist the Government of Uzbekistan. The IMF office in Uzbekistan will continue operating with staff remaining in the office. In addition, staff members from headquarters will make regular visits to provide technical assistance and maintain a close policy dialogue with government officials.

In a letter dated March 30, 2001 to Mr. Köhler, the Managing Director of the IMF, President Karimov has confirmed that the Government of Uzbekistan is committed to liberalize the economy and deepen market reforms and that it intends to intensify its cooperation with the IMF in developing measures to speed up these efforts. In this context, the Government of Uzbekistan has requested that an IMF mission visit Uzbekistan in May 2001 to discuss a staff monitored program.

Leif Hansen

Faizulla Mulladjanov