Deal in doubt as follow-up Eurogroup meeting on Greece kicks off

A Eurogroup meeting on Greece kicked off on Thursday with a view to reach agreement over the details of the Greek reform plan to release financial assistance for Greece from creditors.

Austrian Federal Minister for Finance Hans Joorg Schelling told media before entering the meeting that there was no progress after negotiations between Greece and its creditors last night, but that Greek authorities handed a new proposal minutes before he arrived.

"Two minutes ago, a document arrived which we are examining. During the night there was no progress. We will see if now this document is acceptable," Schelling said.

He said last night Greece refused any kind of commitment and came up with new ideas.

"It amazes me how carelessly the Greek government is dealing with their country. If this document doesn't get approved by the Finance Ministers today, we will have to consider the alternatives we have been preparing," he added.

Maltese Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna confirmed they have received a document from Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis.

"We run out of comments, we are also running out of patience but we've received the document from Varoufakis. We want to know what has been deleted or what has been added," Scicluna said at doorstep of the Eurogroup meeting.

"We have not made much progress, it is time for Greek representatives to decide... so far they have not moved forward, rather backwards, therefore I am not very optimistic about today's meeting either," said Wolfgang Schauble, German Federal Minister for Finance, said arriving at the meeting.

The Eurogroup meeting was preceded by one on Wednesday evening where ministers failed to reach a deal. Endit