Greece’s lenders are expected to return to Athens with common positions and demands.

A European official, who attended a “dinner” with the institutions along with Poul Thomsen, said that IMF and Europeans are close to an agreement. “I don’t know, if an agreement is reached before the EU summit, on March, 7,” he said yesterday, pointing out that in any case the institutions will return showing “a common stance.”

The government is being prepared to welcome them defending their stance using the latest data that show lesser recession in 2015 (0.3%) and primary surplus 0.2% of GDP. However, IMF seems to be adamant and continues to insist on measures up to 7.2-9 billion euros (4% -5% of GDP) during 2016-2018. Moreover, IMF spokesman Gerry Rice clarified yesterday that the Fund does not intend to step back.

Mr. Rice also denied Athens complaints that the IMF is responsible for the delays recorded in program review progress. “Europeans, too, ask for explanations” he said backing up Wolfgang Schaeuble who said that Greece is responsible for the delay.