All of today’s papers carry headlines warning of the possible problems arising from the proposed Metro system and the application of the restrictions on public debt as imposed by the IMF Stand By Arrangement. Ousmene Mandeng, the IMF representative in the Dominican Republic told reporters that the Metro represents a de-prioritizing of the projects that the government had budgeted for, and reminded the journalists that there were certain ceilings on expenses established in the agreement. Mandeng explained that “an additional loan would mean that the fiscal deficit will be greater than agreed upon, unless the government is substituting this project for another one. This would mean that the budgeted US$327 million Metro represents a threat to the goals set forth in the agreement.” Mandeng admitted that the planned Metro system did not necessarily conflict with the IMF accord, and said that with the 10-year funding schedule, payments would be reduced. The IMF representative made this statement to reporters following a meeting with Chamber of Deputies president Alfredo Pacheco.