NEWS

Athens to ask for EFSF deal to apply to Greece, too

The government is considering to ask for the European Council agreement of Thursday for banks to get direct funding from the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) to apply to Greece, too, even though the recapitalization of local lenders was agreed to be included in the state?s bailout agreement.

The issue was discussed, according to reports, during a meeting at the Prime Minister?s residence in Athens on Saturday evening, ahead of the visit of the representatives of Greece?s creditors from Monday.

The meeting involved the recovering PM Antonis Samaras, new Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras, State Minister Dimitris Stamatis and the PM?s adviser Costas Bouras.

Talks focused on the negotiations with the creditors? inspectors and the acceleration of privatizations that would send a message to Europe that the new government is determined to proceed decisively with reforms.

The meeting also examined the government?s program that will be presented to Parliament probably from Thursday, July 5, as well as a list of names to head key state companies and corporations.

Main opposition leader Alexis Tsipras urged the government on Saturday to press for local banks to benefit from the new system of direct recapitalization from the EFSF, or threaten to veto the European Union?s Treaty for Stability Co-ordination and Governance and refuse to accept the visit of the creditors? inspectors in Athens.

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