Dijsselbloem says Greek debt relief 'after summer' may include extending loans
By Corina Ruhe
Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem said Greeces international creditors will decide after the summer on possible further aid, including extending the maturity of existing loans.
Greeces economic situation is improving, and this has an impact on calculations of the countrys debt sustainability, Dijsselbloem said in an interview aboard a Dutch government airplane en route to Cyprus late yesterday.
After the summer we will review everything, he said. If Greece fulfills the requirements set by its international creditors, including a primary budget surplus, and debt sustainability remains a problem, we are prepared to do more, he said.
What is more? A number of examples have been given, including longer maturities or a further reduction of the interest rate, he said. But it also depends on how economic growth evolves.
Dijsselbloem said hes hopeful that euro-area finance ministers can reach a positive decision on the next aid payments to Greece at a meeting in Athens on April 1.
A bit more than 8 billion euros is now foreseen, Dijsselbloem said. I dont know yet. The troika will also advise on the amount needed.
Dijsselbloem said Greeces return to the markets is a wise decision.
But you must also be able to manage expectations, he said. So it starts carefully. Portugal is doing the same, slowly. Ireland as well. Slowly you issue bonds. First short term and then gradually longer term, he said. I think its good they start this year.
[Bloomberg]
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