Business keeps Mates away

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation led by chief-negotiator Neven Mates, which was expected to arrive on Sunday in Bucharest, was postponed by a week, according to the latest information. Graeme Justice, the IMF resident in Romania, would not comment on the reasons behind the delay. However, the Romanian authorities have thus received a respite, enabling them to perfect their homework. "We are expecting a very important delegation that should stay in Bucharest for about three weeks," Finance minister Mihai Tanasescu said. According to the minister, the new letter of intent will set precise targets to continue the privatisation process. ZF