“Green light” for troika’s return to Athens

The troika of Greece’s international creditors are due to arrive for more talks before November 7

The troika of Greece’s international creditors made up of the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are poised to return to Greece following the Greek government’s proposals on unresolved issues that were sent to the group on Thursday. Proto Thema’s sources in the Finance Ministry confirmed that the troika could be in Athens by Friday, November 7, possibly earlier.

Earlier on Thursday, IMF Communication Department Director Gerry Rice had said on Thursday that talks couldn’t begin until the government informed troika of its agenda. The meeting between Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Finance Minister Gikas Hardouvelis on Thursday was crucial to paving the way for further talks with the troika, especially on issues such as social security. The Greek government will stick to its belief that the social security system is viable and will argue against major changes in this domain.

A government source said that a formulated plan has been ready for some time with a time schedule for its implementation until the middle of December when the final evaluation of Greece takes place.

The way in which Greece will be monitored in 2015 has yet to be decided. Mr. Hardouvelis has already shown that there is pressure on Greece from its lenders even without the prospect of a new bailout.