KIEV, July 20 - The government is to issue UAH 16.4 billion in domestic loan bonds to repay delayed value-added tax refunds for 2009, said Deputy Prime Minister Serhiy Tyhypko.

"We've carried out corresponding audits. It can be said now that [the debt on VAT] is UAH 16.4 billion. VAT bonds for 2009 will be issued in this amount," he told reporters in Kiev. Tyhypko also said that the sum of VAT reimbursement arrears for 2010 is being verified.