On Dec. 11, 2006, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term foreign currency sovereign credit rating on the Republic of Suriname to 'B' from 'B-'. Standard&Poor's also raised its long-term local currency on the republic to 'B+' from 'B', and affirmed its 'B' short-term sovereign credit ratings. The outlook on the foreign currency rating remains positive, while the outlook on the local currency rating was revised to positive from stable. The ratings on Suriname are supported by: Government-intensified efforts in 2006 to restore credibility to its payment track record by addressing some long-standing arrears on bilateral debt and curing some other debt arrears. Recent and expected responsible economic policies supporting a stable exchange rate, declining inflation, and
