PM Erdogan says Turkey to make ideal decision on IMF agreement

"Don’t be overly concerned; whatever the ideal point is, we will make a decision based on that," CNNTurk quoted Erdogan as saying when asked about the current status of relations with the IMF by reporters after the party's group meeting in Ankara.

 

When reminded of the 10-day suspension in negotiations with the Fund, Erdogan told reporters to put their questions on the current situation regarding IMF relations to Economy Minister Mehmet Simsek. Â

 

Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey would not sign a deal with the IMF if the country's interests were not met, adding that the country would pay its remaining debt to the Fund and continue on its way.

 

The Turkish government has been criticized over its reluctance to seal an IMF deal, after the latest $10 billion accord expired in May, ahead of the upcoming bi-elections due to the spending curbs imposed by the Fund. Negotiations between the IMF and Turkey were temporarily suspended for 10 days after a delegation from the Fund held talks with officials in Ankara in January.