The Association of Ukrainian Banks estimates the volume of bank deposit outflow during the period of financial instability in November-December 2004 at over UAH 4 billion. This was stated by AUB President Oleksandr Suhoniako, according to "Ukrainian News.

Lutsk medical professionals summarized the industry's work over the past year and announced the work plan for the upcoming period. City mayor Anton Kryvytskyi also gave his assessment of the effectiveness of the healthcare sector's work.

The results of the implementation of the Program of Economic and Social Development of the City for 2004 indicate that qualitative changes continue in the economic and social spheres of activity.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) intends to direct credit resources to Ukraine in 2005 totaling at least $400 million, whereas in 2004 the bank's investment volume was $350 million, EBRD Director in Ukraine Kamen Zahariev told journalists on Monday evening, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

Since the zones with special regimes of activity began functioning until January 1, 2005, 768 investment projects have already been approved, including 556 in territories of priority development (TPD) and 212 in special economic zones (SEZ).

Ukraine in 2004 reduced the principal amount of its debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by SDR201.8 million (16.3%) - to SDR1033.7 million, or at the special drawing rights (SDR) to dollar exchange rate at the end of last year - to 1605.3 million dollars, reports Interfax-Ukraine.

The total wage arrears in Ukraine during 2004 decreased by 54.5%, but during December the level of arrears grew by 3.1%. This was reported to "proUA" by the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine. \n \nAs of January 1, 2005, the amount of unpaid wages stood at 817.6 million hryvnias, with 45.

The Verkhovna Rada has decided to expand the material base for calculating pensions for military servicemen and law enforcement officers. 319 deputies voted in favor of adopting the law on amendments to the law "On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2005" in the second reading, reports a correspondent of "proUA".

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has temporarily banned the privatization of cultural heritage monuments. 316 people's deputies voted in favor of adopting the corresponding Law as a whole, reports a proUA correspondent.

February 9, 2005 \nInternational Institute of Business, Kyiv \nand the "Consult Partner" Agency \ninvite you to the seminar \n"Business Competitiveness" \n \nParticipation in the seminar is free of charge. \n \nLutsk, Prospekt Vidrodzhennia, 24, office 12.