Some more days needed for debt deal, says Greek PM

Alexis Tsipras welcomes creditors' proposal on primary surplus, but says measures on pensions and taxes are unacceptable

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Thursday that progress has been made on the country's debt repayment arrangements but it will still need a few more days to clinch a deal.

His meeting with European Commission (EC) president Jean-Claude Juncker and Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem was conducted "in a positive mood", Tsipras said, adding that he welcomed the creditors' proposal on primary surplus, Xinhua news agency reported.

 

But some other proposals by the creditors were unacceptable, he said, referring to proposed measures on pensions and taxes.

Talks will continue in the coming days, Tsipras said, adding that he hoped for a "realistic" agreement that is close to Greek proposals.

"It was a good and constructive meeting," the European Commission said in a statement after the four-hour meeting in Berlaymont building, the headquarters of the European Union (EU).

"Progress was made in understanding each other's positions on the basis of various proposals," the statement said.

Greece is in negotiations with its international creditors for a cash-for-reform deal. It faces mounting pressure as it is due to make a repayment of 300 million euros ($329 million) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday.

Greek officials have repeatedly said that without further international funding, the country will not be able to repay the amount before the deadline.