Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-04-06

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Issues with troika 'still open'

[01] Issues with troika 'still open'

Following a two-hour meeting held by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras with representatives of the European Union (EU), European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday evening, the officials said "all issues remain open."

Negotiations have focused on trying to work out three basic issues of disagreement - the taxation of real estate property, the merger of the National Bank with Eurobank, and layoffs in the public sector, with the administrative reform ministry's proposal having been rejected by the troika.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras had a meeting with economy-related ministers to prepare for the negotiations.

Held at the government headquarters in Maximos Mansion, it was attended by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras; Development, Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Costis Hatzidakis; Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras and Deputy Development Minister Thanassis Skordas, but did not appear to reach any conclusions.

Exiting the meeting Friday afternoon, Stournaras told the press that they discussed all open issues with the troika and confirmed that the loan tranche - a remainder from December, and the next loan installment - are being delayed because of pending issues. He also said there was no update in the banking sector issue, including recapitalisation and the merger of National Bank with Eurobank.

Samaras is scheduled to meet the troika at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Maximos Mansion.

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