15 March, Minsk /BELTA correspondent/. The National Bank of Belarus refutes rumours about a sharp devaluation of the national currency, BELTA was informed by the information department of the country's main banking institution. In connection with the recent emergence of provocative rumours about a possible sharp devaluation of the national currency, which have become widespread thanks to certain mass media and the Internet, the National Bank has reported that these rumours in no way correspond to reality. "Furthermore, changes in the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble exceeding the parameters established by the Main Directions of Monetary Policy of the Republic of Belarus for 2011 are neither planned nor will they be implemented," the main banking institution noted. It was emphasised here that the National Bank will pursue an exchange rate policy strictly within the established corridor of permissible changes in the Belarusian ruble's exchange rate against a basket of foreign currencies – plus/minus 8% relative to the exchange rate established at the beginning of 2011 (Br1057.04), while ensuring the smoothness and predictability of the exchange rate dynamics. At the same time, the bilateral exchange rates of the Belarusian ruble against the foreign currencies included in the basket (US dollar, euro, and Russian ruble) will also change insignificantly under the influence of mutual changes in the exchange rates of these currencies on world markets. Currently, to ensure the stability of the national currency, the National Bank possesses both all the necessary monetary instruments and foreign exchange reserves. Their level is quite sufficient to maintain the stability of the Belarusian ruble and allows for the full satisfaction of demand for foreign currency from the population, prompt response to market changes in demand in the domestic foreign exchange market, and guarantees payments on external obligations.-0-

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