KYIV, Sept 28 - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is ready to discuss with the Ukrainian authorities amendments to the bill on raising pensions (No.6614) within the framework of the pension reform goals defined by the fund and the World Bank, IMF Spokesperson William Murray said.

"We are in close contact with the authorities regarding pension reform. Its implementation remains a critical condition for the fourth review of the IMF program with Ukraine. We urge the authorities and the parliament to ensure that the adopted pension law achieves the objectives of the reform, which have been worked out with the IMF and the World Bank. We are staying ready to further cooperate close with the authorities on any possible revisions the draft pension law may require in order to meet the objectives of the reform," the official said.