Central bank of Belarus to sell off cups, state emblem

The National Bank of crisis-stricken Belarus on Monday announced the sale of new and used office equipment and supplies it no longer needs, including new coffee cups and a used state emblem of Belarus. The list of the new items on sale includes cardboard boxes, a suitcase, a briefcase and ceiling panels. Used items include ten safes, four air ionizers, a TV set, a tape recorder, a desk and a closet. The most expensive item on sale is a $6,500 tapestry featuring the ancient Belarusian capital. Belarus asked the IMF for help in June after it had to devalue its ruble pressurized by a large trade deficit, generous wage increases and loans granted by the government ahead last December's presidential election. The IMF said the government had failed to present a sound economic program but promised to send a new mission to Minsk in October. Minsk needs to demonstrate its commitment to market reforms in order to receive assistance from the International Monetary Fund, IMF Belarus mission chief Chris Jarvis said on Monday.