During a press briefing held last week, representatives of the IMF stated that it would be difficult to kick off any new projects in Ethiopia given the heightened uncertainty in the country and its impact on the macroeconomy. The IMF's Director of Communication Gerry Rice, however, highlighted the Fund is ready to engage when the time is right and will continue to support authorities on an ongoing basis to provide policy advice and technical assistance. Ethiopia's extended credit facility and extended fund facility had expired in September, and government authorities had requested to begin negotiations on a new programme to replace them. "Like everyone else, we're watching the situation in Ethiopia with concern and continue to monitor that," said Rice.