AFP, Athens :
Talks between Greece and its international lenders on implementing required reforms are “on the right track” despite a few sticking points, the European commissioner for the euro said Monday.
“We had very good and constructive discussions,” Valdis Dombrovskis told a joint news conference after meeting with the Greek finance and economy ministers, Euclid Tsakalotos and George Stathakis.
“I think we are on the right track as regards the cooperation and as regards working towards our joint aim of restoring economic growth and job creation in Greece,” said Dombrovskis, who is on a two-day visit to Athens.
But he urged that the reforms be carried out “as quickly as possible”. Sticking points include how Greece intends to handle bad debts, household debt and a tax hike for private education.
The creditors are asking Athens to implement measures to facilitate foreclosures on principal residences, while Athens wants to continue protections for most indebted households.
Asked about these issues, Dombrovskis and Tsakalotos said they were seeking a compromise.
Dombrovskis said Greece might propose “alternative measures” as long as they do not undermine the goals of the reforms.
Talks between Greece and its international lenders on implementing required reforms are “on the right track” despite a few sticking points, the European commissioner for the euro said Monday.
“We had very good and constructive discussions,” Valdis Dombrovskis told a joint news conference after meeting with the Greek finance and economy ministers, Euclid Tsakalotos and George Stathakis.
“I think we are on the right track as regards the cooperation and as regards working towards our joint aim of restoring economic growth and job creation in Greece,” said Dombrovskis, who is on a two-day visit to Athens.
But he urged that the reforms be carried out “as quickly as possible”. Sticking points include how Greece intends to handle bad debts, household debt and a tax hike for private education.
The creditors are asking Athens to implement measures to facilitate foreclosures on principal residences, while Athens wants to continue protections for most indebted households.
Asked about these issues, Dombrovskis and Tsakalotos said they were seeking a compromise.
Dombrovskis said Greece might propose “alternative measures” as long as they do not undermine the goals of the reforms.
