But in his key statement, Mr Koehler focused on the danger of the global slowdown of economic growth. When asked how the slowdown in the US would affect neighbouring Mexico, Mr Koehler said there was no doubt that it would suffer. But, he added, Mexican President Vicente Fox and his administration continued to follow sound policies. Mr Koehler was more ambivalent. IMF reform and poverty Reform of the IMF and assistance to the world's poorest nations are also among topics to be discussed this weekend by fund members, Mr Koehler said.
Good policies are still the best precaution that member can take against crises.
Critics say HIPC is a failure and have called on the IMF to end the programme and cancel in total all debts owed by the poorest nations. Strong security The IMF and World Bank's spring meeting is being held in Washington, DC and will run through Monday. Police and security officials here have readied themselves for the possibility of clashes such as those seen Quebec City last weekend. A three-day meeting of Western Hemisphere nations there was marred by fiery protests with police responding with tear gas and over 400 arrests.