A technical mission from the International Monetary Fund arrived in the DR today to resume talks with the Dominican government that could lead to the resumption of the standby agreement. The Listin Diario reports that the economic advisor to the Executive Branch, Julio Ortega, says the plan is to extend the accord for a two-year period. A renewed agreement would also entail the disbursement of more than US$1 billion in fresh resources, as contained in the terms. The IMF mission will meet this afternoon with Central Bank technicians and the Fernandez government’s economic authorities. A meeting has also been scheduled with President Fernandez.