Athens optimism for a deal by Sunday was questioned by its international creditors (European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund) at the G7 summit in Dresden, Germany, who warned that more work must be done. “The Greek matter is political with a strong geopolitical parameter and that’s why it is being discussed at the G7 summit and at the meeting between (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel, (French President Francois) Hollande and (European Commission President Jean) Claude Juncker on Monday,” say government sources in response to the mounting pressure.
Greek ministers are doing their best to keep calm amid a climate of fear that is being created by its EU partners and creditors. Athens representatives at technical talks with the Brussels Group have been instructed to stand their ground on basic red lines concerning pensions, social security and the labor market, etc. The Greek delegation is being called to withstand austerity measures and seek a viable solution for the country’s long-term recovery.
The Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) government was surprised upon hearing news that the Euroworking Group was sending an ultimatum for the government to complete negotiations by the end of next week. “How can a technical body send ultimatums to an elected government and political leadership?” said SYRIZA sources, denying that such an ultimatum could exist.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras points to four key sides whose political interventions are expected to be catalytic as far as negotiations are concerned. The first three are Merkel, Hollande and Juncker, expected to meet to discuss Greece on Monday. The Greek side also looks to the US government in Washington D.C. as another possible influence.
In response to those who point to a Grexit, Tsipras points to the ECB’s report that points to the dramatic and uncontrollable consequences of such an accident. For this not to happen, the government wants an “honorable and mutually beneficial solution”, however it is bracing itself for any possibility.
