Greece is seeking a comprehensive deal within the next ten days, government spokesman Gavriil Sakellaridis said in statements to Greek TV on Friday. Sakellaridis noted that the agreement will cover all issues, including labor and social security ones.
Asked whether Greece will retreat to the IMF’ harsh demands, he said that Athens has set its red lines and does not intend to take a single step back “in this manner.” He confirmed that Greece’s creditors are asking for two VAT rates – 11% and 23% – adding that they have proposed the imposition of a 23% VAT on the energy sector. Greece has proposed three VAT rates – 7%, 14% and 22%.
Asked on debt issue and whether it will be included in the agreement, Sakellaridis said that the Greek government has raised the matter from the very beginning. “It is an objective problem … and by no means can we say that it does not exist,” he said, adding that whether it will be included in the agreement “will depend on how mature conditions are.”
In reply to a question, he said that “there is no problem with Mr Varoufakis and he can continue to negotiate with his partners to the extent that everyone respects the confidentiality of the discussions.”
(source: ana-mpa)
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