Greece's second bailout review nears end, time for decisions on debt relief: PM

Greece and its international lenders are nearing the conclusion of the second review of the third Greek bailout program, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and European Union(EU) Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said Monday during talks here.

Following the conclusion of this chapter, it is time for decision-making on debt relief for Greece, they said.

Moscovici, who handles the economic and monetary affairs dossier for the Commission, was on a two-day visit to Athens for a series of meetings with Greek leaders to discuss progress on the implementation of the Greek program.

"We are very close to a deal...I believe it is now more crucial than ever that all sides take courageous decisions...We have already shown our will and now we expect our partners to do the same," Tsipras said speaking on camera, welcoming the European official to his office.

"I think we are very close to an agreement. We had a very successful first program review and the second is underway...As long as Greece implements the reforms, the EU will do its part," Moscovici said.

The EU Commissioner supported the launch of debt-relief talks with no further delay, pointing to the next scheduled meeting of eurozone finance ministers on Dec. 5.

The Eurogroup should open the road to a comprehensive solution, which would be to the benefit of both Greece and the eurozone, he said.

It is time for Greece to reap the benefits of its efforts to overcome the seven-year debt crisis, Moscovici added, expressing optimism that soon Greek people would be able to take a breath, as the ailing economy would return to sustainable growth and jobs would be created. Endit