Greece reaches deal with auditors on fresh measures to unlock further bailout aid

Greece's government struck on Friday evening a deal with auditors of international lenders in Athens on the next set of measures to unlock a further one billion euro (about 1.1 billion U.S. dollars) bailout installment to the debt laden country in coming weeks.

"We have a deal," Economy Minister Yorgos Stathakis announced with Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos standing next to him after the latest talks with foreign officials that started Tuesday in the Greek capital.

The draft bill containing 13 prior actions for the disbursement of the funds was to be submitted to the Greek parliament on Saturday and a vote was scheduled for Dec. 15.

The Greek officials said that the two sides agreed to the sale of non performing loans of major enterprises to distress funds, but persuaded creditors to exclude mortgage loans for main residences and business loans of small and medium-sized enterprises at least until mid-February.

In addition, the government and lenders agreed on the final framework of operation of the new privatization fund, as well as the context of the new unified payroll for all civil servants.

The Greek side stressed that there will be no new salary cuts for public sector employees, but they will be given incentives to boost productivity, according to the Greek national news agency AMNA.

On the final key thorny issue that was put on the table in this round of negotiations with lenders, the government and auditors also reached an agreement on the terms of the privatization of the power grid transmission operator (ADMIE).

According to the Greek side, the Greek state will retain control by holding 51 percent of shares. Endit