Brussels, 10/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - Eurozone finance ministers will discuss the Greek rescue programme and “possible Greek requests by September at the latest”, announced Eurogroup President Jean-Claude Juncker in the night of Monday 9 to Tuesday 10 July. When asked about a possible extension of the timetable for implementation of the reforms in Greece, Juncker replied that Greece “did not make any requests during tonight's meeting”. On Saturday 7 July, Greek Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras said that the timetable imposed by the institutional creditors was too tight (see EUROPE 10651). He “provided assurances on the determination” of Greece to “put the programme back on track” but made no requests.
Those lending to Greece - the “troika” made up of the European Central Bank (ECB), the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - have been in Athens since 3 July. The team assessing Greek needs is expected to report back by the end of July. The situation in Greece will, then, be discussed at a Eurogroup meeting at the start of September. Juncker tried to give reassurance on the Greek bonds held by the ECB which mature in August, saying: “There is no need to worry; a solution will be found”. (EL/transl.rt)