THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday approved a $56,53-million loan for Mauritania to support the government’s economic program over the next three years. The first annual loan is split into two equal installments, with the first $8,08-million installment available immediately, the IMF said. “Directors commended the authorities for the significant progress made over the past few years in improving macroeconomic conditions and social indicators,” according to an IMF statement. The new loan is to support Mauritania’s 1999-2002 economic program, which the IMF said includes liberalizing markets, deepening structural reforms and redefining the role of the government.