According to NBM, as of January 31, 2009, official reserves amounted to $1 billion 504,39 million, or $168,02 million (10%) less than at the same period of 2008 ($1 billion 672,41 million). As InfoMarket agency was informed in NBM, the decline of NBM reserves in January 2009 was due to transactions at the currency market of Moldova amounting to $88,65 million, decrease of the exchange rate of currencies in relation to USD (about $59,64 million) and payments related to the reduction of the mandatory reserves in foreign currency- $20,39 million. In addition, it was stipulated by the payment of the external debt amounting to $4,1 million as well as other foreign payments totaling $2,22 million. //06.02.2009 – InfoMarket