Substantial support

The World Bank on 9 December decided to disburse $100 million to Ukraine. The sum is the second part of the first tranche of the bank's $750 million adjustment loan. Ukraine received the first tranche of $150 million in September. According to the bank, its adjustment loan provides substantial support for the government's program of reforms, which may result in 8 percent economic growth in Ukraine this year. Meanwhile premier of Ukraine Anatoliy Kinakh has announced that the government will not offer strategic enterprises for privatization in the first quarter of 2002. Kinakh explained that the government's decision was due to the upcoming ballot and a global economic downturn.