Schauble threatens Greece: No cash without IMF

Tough statements at EcoFin

Athens is feeling the pressure rising after the EuroGroup meeting failed to produce any results, with talks continuing in Brussels between Greece and its lenders. Speaking at the sidelines of the EcoFin, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble said the successful conclusion of talks was totally dependent upon Athens implementing the measures, implying that the IMF had adopted the views of Berlin over the Greek debt relief. “Whether the review can be completed is up to the Greek government”, Mr. Schauble said, ruling out the possibility of of any cash being earmarked without the participation of the IMF. He continued by stressing that even the Washington partners had understood that alleviating Greek dent was contrary to EU regulations, referring to the IMF.