BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — The head of the IMF mission in Romania has criticized politicians and media for accusing him of misconduct for having attended a party held by government officials at a time of harsh austerity measures.

A video of the party that Jeffrey Franks attended last week at a restaurant in a Romanian mountain resort has been shown by TV stations nationwide.

On Sunday, the American held a news conference in Bucharest to discuss Romania's economic problems and the austerity measures it has imposed to receive an IMF-led loan.

When asked about critics who have said Franks should not have attended the party, which included drinking and dancing, Franks denied misconduct.

"I am a Mormon. I don't drink or smoke or indulge in other immoral behavior," he said. "I have a clean conscience."

Posted on Monday, February 06, 2012 @ 04:34:37 JST by admin