By N. Bellos
EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker conveyed his support towards Athens to conclude a second review of the Greek program in the coming period, so that efforts can then focus on the debt, during a phone conversation on Thursday with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas on Friday referred to the phone conversation, underlining that it was productive and positive. He also pointedly reminded of Juncker's efforts to keep Greece in the Eurozone, as he said.
The last quip, according to Community sources in Brussels, was aimed at recent statements by French President Francois Hollande on the Greek rescue.
The Commission spokesman added that the latest developments dealing with the second review were discussed, along with the Greek program, in general.
The same sources underlined that the Commission, which is backing a more pronounced solution for the Greek debt issue at the Eurogroup meeting on Dec. 5, is encouraging Athens to resolve pending issues -- such as fiscal gaps and labor sector liberalization -- as soon as possible in order to finally conclude the second review of the Greek program (third bailout). The Commission views that in doing so the last obstacles before talks on whatever debt relief will be removed.
