Samaras: The loan tranche will be disbursed normally

"The loan tranche s expected to be disbursed normally", prime minister Antonis Samaras said from Brussels, clarifying that first we need a solution to the different approaches between Europe and the IMF on the sustainability of the Greek debt.

"Greece is already on to the next day," he continued, noting that he returns to Greece even more optimistic.

Samaras said the Monday Eurogroup fully recognized the sacrifices of Greece and eliminated the last loose ends. "They officially announced the extension and got over the issue of the external account. What remains are minimal technical details concerning the implementation of what has already been agreed and will permanently close in the coming days. I continue to fight not only to get the full tranche of 31 billion euros, but for even more. Now we're on to the next stage, seeking resources for development."

Referring to the contacts with the leadership of the European Union and with leaders of other countries "from which we receive significant funding from the Cohesion Funds," he said: "we strengthened the Greek position concerning the funds that Greece will get during 2014-2020. We fought to avoid as much as possible the large cuts prepared for all the older members. We are confident that Greece will eventually get more than what was originally planned and that EU funds will continue to be a valuable contribution to the recovery of the Greek economy in the following years."

Meetings with Barroso and Rompuy

The prime minister met earlier today with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council president Herman Van Rompuy, but without making any statements.

According to information, Samaras did not raise the issue of the sustainability of the Greek debt at this meeting.