Greece not to seek next loan tranche, but deal to make come-back: Greek FinMin

Greece does not seek the next loan tranche rather than an agreement with international lenders that will pave the way so that the debt-laden country makes a come back, Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said on Thursday.

The Greek official dismissed speculation over the risk of an imminent default in the next two weeks, addressing an economic forum in Athens.

He stressed that as Finance Minister he would "refuse to sign a deal that is not viable in macroeconomic terms."

Varoufakis said that after three months of marathon negotiations the two sides had agreed on several issues.

"We agree that if Greece does not reform, it will sink," he noted.

However, there were still diverging views on other topics that need to be bridged, he added.

The priority for the Leftist government today was not to secure the next aid installment, Varoufakis said, but to leave behind the austerity trap that suffocates the real economy and growth potential.

Greece seeks an agreement that will put an end to recession and poverty, the Greek minister said.

Varoufakis put the blame on the "institutions" for Greece's failure in recent months to push reforms through the parliament, as long as talks continue.

He claimed that Athens' hands were tied, since interlocutors warned of severe consequences in case of unilateral acts.

In regard to the government's reform and growth plan the Greek official referred to a "realistic" exploitation of the state's assets, stressing that this will have nothing to do with a sell off. Proceeds will be used to establish a new development bank that will support social security funds.

Varoufakis underlined once again that the "Greek debt load is not sustainable and should be restructured."

He clarified that he does not talk about a haircut, but for other solutions, such as a pushback in the repayment of European Central Bank (ECB) bonds.

Varoufakis explained that in July and August this year Athens needs to repay 7 billion euros in bonds purchased by the ECB during the debt crisis.

"These bonds must be pushed in the future," Varoufakis said, implying that it would be difficult for Greece to repay them with no international aid. Endit