Khaberni - The International Monetary Fund strongly welcomed the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, noting that the war "caused significant human losses and economic damages to the neighboring areas."
Jihad Azour, the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, explained that the usual sequence in such cases starts with assessing the damage and identifying emergency needs, activities usually undertaken by United Nations agencies and the World Bank, which are currently working on assessing the extent of the damage and immediate and recovery needs.
He added, during a press conference held in Washington on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings, about the Middle East regional economic outlook report, that the Fund contributes within the existing international coordination framework, by providing technical assistance and policy advice.
He pointed out that the Fund is part of a dedicated Contact Committee framework established in 1994, and looks forward to the results and figures that will be released from the World Bank and United Nations agencies' assessments.
In response to a question about upcoming international conferences on reconstruction, Azour said that the Fund is not yet aware of any specific conferences, but regularly participates in events held annually on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and other forums.
