Poland plans to help Iceland in financial crisis

WARSAW — Poland said Friday it plans to join what it said would be a $6 billion aid package for Iceland along with Britain, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries to help the island nation salvage its collapsed financial system.

Poland's Finance Ministry said it would "in all probability" contribute some $200 million to the rescue effort organized by the International Monetary Fund.

The IMF has already tentatively agreed a $2 billion loan with Iceland, but Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde is seeking an additional $4 billion to pull it out of the financial hole created by the collapse of its banking system and a sharp drop in the value of its currency. The IMF deal awaits approval by the IMF's board in Washington.

The Polish Finance Ministry said in a statement that Britain, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries will also contribute to the rescue loan. The statement did not specify which Scandinavian countries are involved.

"The support for Iceland will have the character of a loan whose detailed conditions will be decided between Iceland and the International Monetary Fund," the ministry said.

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