Debt dispute: Tspiras complains to Merkel – www.dw.de

Debt dispute: Tspiras complains to Merkel – www.dw.de

After the sharp criticism of the Federal Ministry of Finance at the request of Greece for an extension of credit support of the international creditors Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was on the phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Details were not disclosed. A close associate of Tsipras spoke only of a “constructive” climate of approximately 50-minute conversation.

However, Tsipras have complained about a harsh German position in the euro group. The name of the Greek request as a ‘Trojan horse’ ‘help in any way in the real discussions, “the Tsipras staff cited the leftist Premier.

The term’ Trojan Horse ‘is to be found, according to Reuters in a paper of the Federal Government for the deliberations of euro zone finance ministers this Friday in Brussels. In the letter to the Euro group asks Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis a six-month extension of the financial crisis for the country.

On the rejection of Schäuble’s house Athens responded with strong tones: The euro zone finance ministers could the application of Athens “accept or reject”, formulated the government in a statement. Another option does not exist. At the meeting will then show “Who wants a solution and who is not” was.

Gabriel reserved

Schäuble’s strong opposition in Berlin from coalition partner SPD not entirely shared. Although he agree with Schäuble that the letter “fail” is said Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel. The Greek letter but must be used “as a starting point for negotiations.” Next explained the SPD leader: “We all have to stop to formulate ultimatums.”

EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker could be explained, Athens request “opens the way for a reasonable compromise.” More optimistic showed France’s Prime Minister Manuel Valls. The Varoufakis letter was a “very encouraging sign that a solution is possible, and very quickly.”

against austerity measures

The new team in Athens rejects parts agreed with the lenders by the previous government reforms and austerity measures due from social hardship. Greece is in a severe economic crisis. The corresponding program ends on 28 February. They can not reach an agreement, Greece is heading for a government default.

The country is in the euro zone and the International Monetary Fund with 240 billion euros in debt. Germany guaranteed loans of around 53 billion euros and liable pro rata for loans from the IMF and the government bonds in the portfolio of the ECB. In a state bankruptcy appears that a significant portion of these guarantees would be due.

wl / SC (AP, afp)