World Bank delegation arrives in Ukraine

The delegation is led by the bank's top official for Ukraine and Belarus, Luca Barbone, who is expected to meet with President Leonid Kuchma, new Prime Minister Anatoliy Kinakh, other government members and representatives of donor and public organizations, the bank's press service said in a statement.The officials will discuss the possibility of delivering the first, $250 million installment of a $750 million loan package. On Friday, Barbone is expected to present donor projects proposed by public organizations and head a jury to elect the best ones. World Bank links aid to Ukraine with reforms in the energy sector that the bank has long urged. However, the government program to privatize the energy sector has been put on hold after Kuchma cited unfavorable market conditions for the selloffs. The president urged examination of already completed deals and preparation of a new strategy for privatizing energy companies.