QUITO, May 23 (PL) – Rafael Correa, Ecuador’s minister of economy, today dismissed any commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that would endanger his country’s sovereignty.

After meeting with representatives from that financial agency, Correa affirmed that Ecuador would not cede its sovereign rights and would carry out "those reforms that are advisable for the country."

"In contrast with the previous government, this new administration will never accept anyone even insinuating that we could not carry out legal or structural reforms that have been approved by the people," he emphasized.

Correa stated that for now, there is no need to reach any agreement with that multilateral agency.

"While the deposed president Lucio Gutiérrez received offers from the IMF, the country has not signed any agreements with that agency. For that reason, nobody will be allowed to suggest structural reforms," he reiterated.

Regarding the fact that multilateral agencies periodically monitor Ecuador’s economic situation, the minister noted that that was part of an offer made by Gutiérrez, and not an agreement signed by the country.

He affirmed that everything would change under the Alfredo Palacio government regarding dialogues maintained with IMF representatives who are visiting the capital.

The minister specified that the only thing that will be presented to the IMF is a totally financed budget, clear fiscal objectives and respect for the macro-fiscal regulations that are improving in the country.