Athens is expecting a positive statement of progress in negotiations in Monday’s Eurogroup, after the completion of discussions with lenders’ representatives in Brussels yesterday. European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs Piere Moscovici stated during a business conference in Brussels that, “we are closer to an agreement and we now speak the same language”. However, “the question is if we are close enough,” he added. The two sides have not agreed on basic issues yet and certainly not on specifics. For instance, lenders expect a primary surplus of 1 percent and Athens projects a 0.5 percent figure. Also, the two sides have not decided on the actual number of the unified value added tax proposed. Government spokesman Gavriil Sakellaridis announced that, “There won’t be any horizontal measures, but the measures proposed will alleviate the burden from those who shouldered most of it in recent years.” Sakellaridis also refuted New Democracy’s claim that the measures proposed will burden Greek people by 14 billion euros. He said that the number is unrealistic. The government spokesman expressed the optimism that prevails at Maximos Mansion, according to which Monday’s Eurogroup will unlock further liquidity for Greece. Regarding statements from cabinet members that the 750-million-euro due to the International Monetary Fund next week may not be paid, Sakellaridis said that the Greek government intends to meet all its obligations. “The job and responsibility of the Greek government is to fulfill its obligations in Greece and abroad. This is what we’re doing and we’ll continue doing it,” he said.
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