Deal with troika closed, "green" light for next tranche

Troika gave the green light for the immediate disbursement of the tranche of 2.8 billion euros from the Eurogroup.

"The recent steps taken by the Greek authorities indicate that the deadlines of March will be fulfilled soon, so the disbursement of 2.8 billion euros from the rest of the previous tranche from EFSF could soon be agreed by the Eurozone Member States," the European Commission, IMF and European Central Bank said in a joint official announcement.

"The assessment of the delegation is that the debt sustainability remains," the statement continues, also adding that "the delegation and the (Greek) Authorities agreed that the economic outlook remains unchanged compared to the previous assessment, and that there are prospects for a gradual return to growth in 2014."

Stournaras: Doomsday prophets were proven wrong

"We have reached an agreement with troika. The disbursement of the next tranche is expected without problems," Finance minister Yannis Stournaras said from the floor of the Economist conference.

"We have implemented two-thirds of the fiscal adjustment program and three quarters of the adjustment of economic competitiveness. It takes patience and sobriety. We disappointed the doomsday prophets."

"The big goal is to achieve a primary surplus in 2013 to demand the implementation of the clause in the Eurogroup decision which provides for a drastic reduction of public debt. Those who promise to get us out of the memorandum but we will keep us in the euro are lying," Stournaras added.

Thomsen: Optimistic that next year will be better for Greece

IMF spokesman Paul Thomsen confirmed the agreement describing the event as "good news" at the beginning of his speech at the conference. "This will open up paths for further steps. Greece has come a long way."

He also expressed optimism that the next year will be better for Greece. "Greece is achieving its fiscal targets and will soon succeed in having a primary surplus."