Clear resolution to US issues critical: Tharman

[SINGAPORE] A clear resolution to the US fiscal and the debt issue is critical to restarting private investment worldwide, said Tharman Shanmugaratnam, chairman of the policy-setting body of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in Washington early yesterday, Singapore time.

Mr Tharman, who is attending the World Bank and IMF meetings, made the comment in response to a reporter's question during a press conference held by the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC).

The reporter had asked about the consequences if the US debt ceiling and budget crisis persisted, pointing out that the problems have dragged on for at least a year.