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Greek PM calls for emergency summit if Eurogroup bailout review not sealed

Xinhua, April 5, 2017 Adjust font size:

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday called for an emergency euro zone summit in April if the Eurogroup meeting on Friday does not conclude a bailout review.

The remarks were made during joint statements here with visiting European Council President Donald Tusk.

According to a press release issued by the Greek prime minister's office, Tsipras blamed creditors for the delay in the closure of the assessment.

According to the initial timetable agreed in 2015, the second review should have concluded in February 2016.

The Greek prime minister said Athens expects an agreement during the Eurogroup meeting in Malta this Friday, otherwise it will seek initiatives at a higher level to resolve the issue.

"We must have a positive development before Easter, in any case in April, even if we need to convene a euro zone summit," he stressed.

Tusk also expressed the hope that deal could be reached on Friday.

"I hope that we will be able to reach a deal this Friday at Eurogroup. I would like to underline that all sides participating in this process are sharing the responsibility to reach this agreement," said the European Council president.

During talks with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos earlier, Tusk appeared cautiously optimistic about the conclusion of the review soon.

"I really feel that we are very close to the conclusion of this phase of the procedure. I believe that this grand finale will come thanks to the determination of Greek people and their sacrifices," Tusk said. Enditem