Greek PM still optimistic for compromise debt deal, main opposition party leader suggests national consensus gov't

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras retained his confidence on Thursday that a compromise deal for the resolution of the Greek debt crisis was still feasible, despite the ongoing roller coaster marathon round of talks with international creditors in Brussels.

However, the new negotiations, which started on Wednesday, have still not produced results. As a result, conservative main opposition party leader and former premier Antonis Samaras called for the immediate formation of a national consensus government to ensure Greece's stay in the European Union.

After two extraordinary Eurogroup meetings in 24 hours, an ongoing EU summit, and a dozen meetings on political and technical levels between the Greek side and lenders, but time is running out and diverging views on the formula to move forward remain.

On June 30, the second Greek bailout which kept the country afloat over the past two years, and which was extended in February, expires. Without a reforms-for-cash deal for the day after, Greece remains on its own with state coffers running empty, leading the country closer to a default and possible Grexit in coming weeks.

Greek officials have assured they can cover financial obligations to International Monetary Fund on June 30 and also pay pensions and salaries, but the situation would get harder in July.

After five months of negotiations, eurozone finance ministers on Thursday were still presented with the issue of how to resolve two conflicting draft deals, one by the Greek government and one by creditors. The meeting ended inconclusive amidst reports that a last opportunity Eurogroup would convene on Saturday.

"I am convinced we can reach a compromise so that Greece and the eurozone can overcome the crisis," Tsipras told media in Brussels on Thursday, despite the setback.

Meanwhile, European leaders warned that the clock was ticking and by Monday Athens should have an agreement sealed and ratified by the Greek parliament.

However, even if the best-case scenario becomes reality and Greece has an honest compromise by Sunday, the Leftist leader faces the prospect of domestic trouble.

Deputies of the ruling coalition of the Syriza party of Tsipras and the right-wing Independent Greeks have warned that they would vote against extremely painful measures. Cabinet ministers have talked about calling early national elections if the government loses parliamentary majority.

Greece cannot afford new elections at this critical period, just six months after the previous polls, Samaras argued during an interview with a Greek magazine.

The main opposition party leader suggested instead the immediate formation of a national consensus government to continue cooperation with lenders and keep Greece in the European single currency zone. Endit