The first round of negotiations between Greek government and the representatives of the institutions concluded on Friday without reaching any agreement, while all major issues are still open.

It is still unclear whether the ‘Quartet’ will return to Athens on February, 15 or there would be new delays.

After today’s meeting between Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and Economy Minister Georgios Stathakis and the ‘Quartet’, Mr. Tsakalotos stated that “institutions understand the government’s position on refusing cutting the pensions, which would lead to contribution hikes and other sources of income”.

He also stated that “Everyone understands the need for a fair agreement on a reasonable time and we focus to complete negotiations by 26-28 February” adding that although the institutions understand that negotiations should be concluded soon, they want to examine and discuss all issues.