Stournaras: Troika will return Sunday the latest

The Greek finmin appeared cautiously optimistic about reaching an agreement - "Pleasant waiting" for the final height of the primary surplus in 2013
 
After the end of the Eurogroup discussions, Finance minister Yannis Stournaras held a press conference and said that there was a detailed discussion about the fiscal situation in Greece and the real economy.
 
He also said that although there is skepticism as to the amount of the surplus by commissioner Rehn he was congratulated by several of his colleagues.
 
The discussion included the issue of troika’s return and evaluation, and the state of negotiations. As the minister said, the representatives of Greece’s lenders are expected to return probably this Sunday. “The troika team is going to return to Athens as the end of the week, Sunday the latest, aiming to agree on the evaluation program before the next Eurogroup meeting on March 10.”
 
Stournaras also appeared cautiously optimistic about reaching an agreement with the troika, which is expected to come in March, so there will be enough time for the country’s partners to disburse the remaining tranche of 2013 and the first package of 2014 before the elections.
 
Asked about the amount of the tranche, the finmin said that the aim is to have a decision “for the amounts due in 2013 and the first installment of 2014” to meet the borrowing needs that exist in mid-May for the repayment of bonds amounting to about 8.8 billion.
 

Referring to the outstanding issues he said that Greece has already met 78% of its commitments to structural reforms, while the remaining key issues are to reduce by 3.9% on insurance levy, certain taxes towards third parties and most of the "toolbox" of OECD.
 
Regarding the Troika request for collective layoffs, Stournaras said that Employment minister Yiannis Vroutsis has sent a plan consistent with the relevant EU regulations.
 
Finally, Stournaras did not want to determine the amount of the surplus but said it is a "pleasant waiting".