Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[wall_rus]

I'm no expert, but:

The IMF is one of the largest holders of gold reserves in the world; as of July 2006, the IMF had approximately US$ 65 billion in gold reserves. The IMF, at times, may sell the gold or accept gold payments from its member countries – but it is strictly prohibited by its Articles of Agreement from engaging in most other gold-related transactions, such as buying gold. For example, the IMF often sells gold to help provide interstitial funding (i.e., the addition of funds to those contributed by member countries) for the HIPC and other trusts that are briefly described below.

http://www.uiowa.edu/ifdebook/briefings/docs/imf.shtml

Did you miss the part in the last link, where they now own the Amazon? When countries default, there is a price to pay.