Iran’s Top Banker: IMF Loan Unconditional
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The loan that Iran has asked the International Monetary Fund for in order to deal with the coronavirus outbreak is totally unconditional and must be given immediately, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran said.
Speaking to IRIB on Tuesday night, Abdolnaser Hemmati said the CBI is familiar with all legal processes in the IMF.
On a $5 billion loan that Iran has applied for, he said such financing facilities are provided only to battle COVID-19, stressing that the loan is by no means conditional and must be made immediately.
The only guarantee that needs to be given relates to the period of repayment, Hemmati said, stressing that the loan is Iran’s natural right, as the country has kept reserve assets in the IMF and has not recieved any loan over the past 60 years.
“If we are not to enjoy our right now, when should we?” the CBI chief said, adding that the IMF will reveal its nature if it refuses Iran the loan.
Hemmati also noted that Iran’s application for the loan has been submitted to the IMF Board of Governors.
The voting shares for the European members of the IMF Board of Governors is higher than that of the US, so Europe could no more look for an excuse and cite the American sanctions to refuse to help Iran, Hemmati stated, adding that it is time Europe proved its goodwill.
“We have made it clear that we need the loan to import commodities and medicine,” the CBI chief concluded.
Last week, President Hassan Rouhani said it would be unacceptable for the International Monetary Fund to unfairly refuse Iran’s application for the loan that it needs for the fight against the coronavirus.