“Gaps” on Brussels group discusssions approach, by information leaked from Brussels

The “Brussels Group” of the European creditor representatives is continuing reviewing the list of the Greek reform plan of the 18 points- list , but gaps on the approach between Brussels and Athens have been expressed according to information leaked unofficially,said  Kostas Hardavelas on his radio show Sunday moning.

According to Greek TV broadcaster MEGA, the Brussels Group has to review many files, therefore it is possible to reach an agreement after the coming weekend. The discussions are still ongoing since Saturday morning when the EU officials had described as encouraging the fact that there is a commitment for a constructive conversation as to apply the political commitment to reach an agreement .

However, the EU officials have stressed that “there is still a lot of work” to do, the ANA- MPA wrote.

“We want to clarify that Greece itself must prepare the overall list of reforms in a convincing way that the commitments of the 20^th February Eurogroup will be implemented”, EU sources said.

They also reiterated that the purpose of the meetings within the Brussels Group is “to discuss the Greek proposals for reforms and to help ensuring that the Greek list of reforms is reliable and complete.”

The set of reforms Greece is struggling to agree on, was sent to its EU-IMF creditors on Friday, March 27.

” There will be no recession measures, or increases of VAT rates. On the contrary, we are presenting a comprehensive programme that will allow us to have a primary surplus in 2015 of 1.5 percent of the GDP, if of course the problem of the economy’s liquidity is resolved on time.”, Greek Finance Minister Yianis Varoufakis was quoted as saying. “As you are aware, we have a noose around our necks” he added.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stated on an interview with RealNews on Sunday that “the lack of liquidity is naturally hampering the situation, but this will be resolved once an agreement has been agreed on.”

According to Nikos Filis’ statements, the parliamentary representative of governing SYRIZA party, the list of 18 reforms stands to earn 3.5 billion euros (3.8 billion dollars) in 2015 from the measures, which include fighting tax evasion using a direct on-line system connecting businesses and tax offices, issuing licenses for the country‘s media, online gambling and VAT increases.

The Greek delegation consists of the President of the Economic Advisors Council,   Giorgos Chouliarakis, the General Secretary of Fiscal Policy, Nikos Theocharakis and Elena Panariti, the advisor of the Greek FInance Minister Yanis Varoufakis.