On May 11, Minsk /BelTA correspondent/. The National Bank of Belarus has lifted the recommended restrictions on banks setting rates for foreign currency purchase and sale transactions with the public, BelTA was informed by the National Bank's Information Department. "As part of the implementation of the plan for the phased transition to a single exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble and the stabilization of the domestic foreign exchange market, the National Bank has, since May 11, lifted the recommended restrictions on banks setting rates for foreign currency purchase and sale transactions with the public," the National Bank reported. A deficit of foreign currency in this market segment emerged in March of this year due to increased demand from citizens for cash foreign currency to purchase vehicles abroad, as well as due to the spread of various rumors provoking panic behavior among the public. "The use of market approaches to forming the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble in transactions with individuals will not only satisfy citizens' demand for foreign currency but also render meaningless further active acquisition of foreign currency by the public for savings, which has been observed recently in connection with expectations of changes in the exchange rate," the National Bank emphasized. -0-

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