By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, July 12, updated -- After a series of questions take by the Internation Monetary Fund on Thursday about Greece and Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus, Inner City Press' question about Angola and transparency was asked by spokesman Gerry Rice:
"On Angola, what is the IMF's response to requests that the IMF insist on an audit of the oil revenue unaccounted for from 2007 to 2011?"
Rice had an answer prepared in his binder, from which he read, saying, "the IMF attaches great important to the transparency of governments in management of public finances."
He said the IMF and Angola have "devoted efforts" in light of the "large discrepancies observed in this accounts since 2011."
Rice claimed this has "produced important results" such as "highlighting factors underlying the discrepancies" and "promoting the introduction of institutional measures" for "accountability" for "Angola's oil revenue."
But where did the money go, other than to real estate in and around Lisbon? Who is being held accountable?
Rice continued that "the Angolan authorities say the intend to complete work" soon, that they "have adopted measure to address underlying problems."
As to the IMF, Rice said that the "Board concludedyesterday its 2012 Article 4 consultations with Angola" and that "there will be more info on that discussion, a Public Information Notice" soon. We'll see.
Inner City Press submitted two other questions, on Sri Lanka and Hungary. On the latter, the IMF half answered, that the authorities are requesting only a Stand By Agreement, "not a PLN."
Inner City Press had asked about the flat tax, and the financial transaction tax. If and when answers are received, they will be published. Watch this site.
