The Republic of Kosovo will become a member of World Bank and International Monetary Fund at the latest by the first half of 2009, announced yesterday in Prishtina Vice President of World Bank for Europe and Central Asia, Shigeo Katsu, after the meeting with Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi.

The World Bank official advised to use the Donors' Conference money for serious economic actions, which would help improve the lives of Kosovar citizens.

"The membership process for Kosovo to join World Bank is continuing. In a few days, we will discuss many technical issues, but also assessments and calculations we have to make in accordance with the economic policies of the World Bank. Actual predications are for this new state to join World Bank within 6-9 months," said Sheigo Katsu.

Prime Minister Thaçi said that he is convinced the Republic of Kosovo will become a member of World Bank and International Monetary Fundvery soon. It is important to note that both organizations recognized Kosovo as interdependent and sovereign country.

"Kosovo not only needs financial support, but also needs and merits becoming a full member of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. We have applied for membership, I have strong beliefs that wewill receive a positive answer about the Republic of Kosovo becoming a full member in the very near future," said Kosovar Prime Minister.

The delegation of the World Bank during their visit in Kosovo will examine the implementation of some of the projects financed by this organization.

Vice President of World Bank for Europe and Central Asia, Shigeo Katsu, reiterated that "the money pledged to Kosovo at the Donors' Conference have to turn into concrete actions, which would improve thelives of Kosovars."

In the meantime, the Republic of Kosovo is invited to attend the annual meetings of World Bank and International Monetary fund, in the observer's status, which will take place over the weekend of October 11-13 at the World Bank and IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C.