Press Release No. 11/124

Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Portugal

April 8, 2011

Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today on Portugal:

“The IMF has received a request for financial assistance from the Portuguese authorities and we stand ready to join the effort, together with our European partners, to help restore growth and financial stability in Portugal.

“We are prepared to move expeditiously on this request and hold swift discussions with the Portuguese government, together with the European Commission and the European Central Bank, on an economic program, supported by the main political parties, that could provide the basis for Fund financial assistance.

“We also welcome today’s statement from the Eurogroup and ECOFIN ministers indicating that preparations will start immediately to reach agreement on a program that will help Portugal meet the economic challenges it is facing.”