Talks halt over Greece bailout

DIVIDED eurozone ministers yesterday halted “very difficult” talks on a Greek bailout deal, with just a day left before a final deadline for an agreement to stop Athens crashing out of the euro.

Sceptical governments such as Germany demanded more commitments to a reform plan, while Finland reportedly decided not to accept any new rescue plan for debt-laden Greece. The meeting of the Eurogroup, comprising finance ministers from the 19-member single currency area, in Brus- sels was supposed to pave the way for all 28 European Union leaders to sign a final agreement at an emergency summit last night billed as the last chance to keep Greece in the euro.

Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem said the “issue of credibility and trust was discussed” amid widespread sus- picion of a Greek government that has offered new reforms just days after voters rejected similar terms in a surprise referendum result.

“We haven’t concluded our discussions. It is still very difficult but work is still in progress,” Dijsselbloem said after nine hours of gruelling talks, adding that they would resume overnight. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat warned it “will be a long day” thanks to the “inconclusive” eurozone talks.

Finnish Finance Minister Alexander Stubb was more upbeat, despite reports Finland’s parliament has decided it will not allow the government to accept any new bailout deal for Greece. “We are making good progress,” he said.

EU Commissioner for economic affairs Pierre Moscovici, who has been among the most sympathetic to Greece’s plight, said: “I am always hopeful.”

We haven’t concluded our discussions. It is still very difficult but work is still in progress

EUROGROUP CHIEF JEROEN DIJSSELBLOEM