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Staff teams from the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Lisbon during November 7–16 for the second quarterly review of Portugal’s economic program. The mission has reached staff-level agreement on economic and financial policies to meet the program’s objectives. Strict implementation of these policies will be needed to restore external competitiveness, bolster confidence in the sustainability of public finances, and maintain financial stability while ensuring adequate credit in support of sustainable growth.

New York: Rwanda must build on its efforts to transition to a green economy, according a United Nations report released today on the country’s post-conflict environmental situation, which also urges the Government to implement measures that will boost the economy while protecting natural resources.

New York: Civilians are bearing the brunt of conflict in several countries, the United Nations top humanitarian official said today, reminding parties to such disputes of the their obligation under international humanitarian law to respect non-combatants and to protect them from harm.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Paraguay during November 9–15, 2011 for discussions with government officials and the private sector, as part of the IMF’s regular consultations with its member countries.

New York: The United Nations tribunal set up in the wake of the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s today ordered a medical examination of Ratko Mladic, the former head of the Bosnian Serb armed forces who is being tried on genocide charges, to assess whether he is fit for trial.

Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commended the Afghan authorities for the important achievements in recent years, despite the difficult political and security environment. Economic growth has been strong, the fiscal position has improved, inflation has remained moderate until recently, and the central bank has built up international reserves. There has also been improvement in some poverty indicators.

New York: Top United Nations officials stressed today the importance of practising active tolerance at a time when the world is undergoing unprecedented economic and political changes, and called for countries to embrace diversity, combat discrimination and increase education efforts about human rights.

A mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Mr. Joannes Mongardini, visited Swaziland during November 2-16, 2011. The mission conducted the 2011 Article IV Consultation discussions. The mission met with the Prime Minister, Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini; the Minister of Finance, Hon. Majozi Sithole; the Governor of the Central Bank of Swaziland, Mr. Martin Dlamini; and other senior officials. It also held fruitful discussions with members of parliament, donors, trade unions, and representatives of the private sector. The Article IV consultation will conclude with the preparation of a staff report expected to be taken up by the IMF Executive Board on January 20, 2012.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mark Allen, visited Serbia during November 3-15, 2011, to conduct discussions on the first review of the precautionary Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the IMF.

New York: The right to adequate food must be at the top of the agenda of next month's global trade talks, an independent United Nations expert stressed today, calling for bold policies to ensure food security.