IMF says over 20 poor countries seek debt relief, extension possible

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that over 20 poor countries have requested relief from official bilateral debt under a G20-backed initiative and the Fund stands ready to support an extension of forbearance beyond the end of 2020 if needed.IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told a regular news briefing that more than half of the 73 poor countries eligible for have expressed interest in the program prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, and inquiries are expected to..