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Talks between Greece, the European Union and the
Washington-based International Monetary Fund have dragged on for
months due to differences over Greece's fiscal progress, labor
and energy market reforms, rekindling worries of a new crisis in
Europe.
A new rift between Athens and the IMF over fiscal issues and
labor reforms has dealt a blow to an preliminary accord, dashing
hopes for a bailout review deal before a regular Eurogroup
meeting on April 7.
Tsipras said Greece outperformed its fiscal targets last year
and that lenders should stop causing unjustified delays in the
review, which pose risks to the country's economic recovery.
"The Greek economy is ready to leave the crisis behind it. But
despite the impressive fiscal results, some of our creditors
appear unrepentant", Tsipras told a news conference after
meeting EU Council President Donald Tusk, who is visiting
Athens.
"If there is no white smoke at the Eurogroup on Friday, I have
already requested an EU leaders' summit," he said.
Tsipras said that Greece achieved a primary budget surplus -
before debt payments - of more than 3 percent of its gross
domestic product (GDP) last year versus a bailout target of 0.5
percent of GDP.
Responding to criticism, Tusk said that the European Union stood
by Greece's side and was facilitating negotiations.
"The sacrifices of the Greek citizens have been immense. One
thing must be clear - no one intends to punish Greece, our goal
is only to help Greece," he said. "I have no doubt that there is
no alternative to a positive breakthrough on Friday."
(Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Writing by Angeliki Koutantou;
Editing by Alison Williams)
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