"HIPC: After the O.K. of the IMF, the World Bank's blessing expected today," says a front-page headline in Fraternite Matin. According to the paper (p. 13), the board of the International Monetary Fund yesterday approved Cote d'Ivoire's attainment of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries debt relief initiative and that the World Bank will be endorsing the decision today.

The paper casts no doubt about the "good news" but quotes Ivorian Economy and Finance Minister Charles Koffi Diby as saying that "The HIPC achievement is very important but is not the end of the road." The paper also comments that the money Cote d'Ivoire will gaining from its qualification for this initiative won't serve to increase salaries but will be used to build facilities such as roads, health centers, schools and provide potable water for poor communities.

This daily press review is compiled by the Information Section of the Public Affairs Office of the American Embassy in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The opinions expressed in these reviews in no way reflect the views of the United States Government and are presented for informational purposes only. The accuracy of reports contained in this summary has not been confirmed by the Embassy.