Greece: France and Germany optimistic, want to maintain the IMF – Liberation

The French and German governments posted Saturday in Washington optimism on Greece, raising the possibility of a future agreement, while reiterating the need to maintain the IMF “on board”.

“We have taken advantage of the presence in Washington of many political and financial leaders to move forward in the right direction,” said the french Finance Minister Michel Sapin, during a press conference in the meetings spring IMF and World Bank, also attended by Greek Minister Euclid Tsakalotos.

“the contacts that have taken place make me think that we should be able to reach an agreement for the informal meeting ( 22 and 23 April), the Ecofin (the 28 EU Economy ministers) in Amsterdam, “added Mr. Tree, stressing the need to avoid negotiating again” on the verge of abyss. “

Greece is trying to find an agreement with its creditors on further European aid plan concluded in the summer of 2015. the IMF will participate there on condition that Athens makes new reforms and the Europeans agree to alleviate the Greek debt.

the German Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, has also expressed his optimism. “My optimism was already great” before the talks Washington “and it has not diminished,” said he said.

The European Commissioner for Economic Affairs was more careful. “Progress has been made in recent days and we all share the desire to achieve a balanced and positive solution,” said Pierre Moscovici. “But there is still work to do on reforms in order to conclude the review of the Greek program.”

The French and German ministers also insisted that both the Fund remains committed to Greece. “What the IMF is no longer on board, it would be something that would weigh negatively on solving the problem,” warned Mr Sapin.

For his part, Mr Schäuble said that the German parliament accepted the assistance to Greece provided that the IMF be involved. “I do not have the means to do otherwise,” said the German minister, warning that he could say no to a deal on Greece if the Fund withdrew.

The IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde also met with Mr. Tsakalotos. In a statement, she expressed support for the IMF “economic program for Greece based on sustainable and realistic measures.”

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said his side Saturday thinking that there would be “an agreement very soon.” “I think the goal I mentioned, namely to conclude (talks) by the Orthodox Easter (May 1) (…) is achievable,” said he even told public TV channel ERT.

The talks are to resume Monday

AFP