The first contact on Monday between Greek negotiators and representatives of institutional creditors, the “quartet”, after the emergence of the IMF leaks was short-lived, inconclusive and without a definite timetable for upcoming meetings, reports state.
Pressure is already evident to reach a deal for a first review of the Greek program (third bailout), with the EU Commission now appearing as the “peacemaker” in relations between the leftist Greek government and the IMF, which according to the former is adhering to a hard-line position.
Speaking on Monday evening to his party’s Parliamentary group, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was critical of the role played by the Fund, referring to an “absolute agreement” with European creditors (Commission, ECB, ESM) to conclude the first review. Hours earlier, he spoke with US Vice-President Joe Biden and French President Francois Hollande over the Greek issue and the IMF’s role.
IMF Chief Christine Lagarde over the weekend dismissed most of Athens’ criticism and demanded that IMF representatives are guaranteed privacy and security in their dealings in Greece.
