Greece closer than ever to solution for sustainability of debt

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras looks on during a news conference at the annual International Trade Fair of the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Sept 11, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

ATHENS - Greece is closer than ever to a solution for the sustainability of the Greek debt load, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Sunday, assuring that some positive developments should be expected soon.

The Greek leader made the remarks during a televised customary press briefing given by Greek Premiers during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

"For our part, we are honoring the agreement and we expect the same from our partners," he said, stressing that Greece has made progress since the signing of the third bailout program in the summer of 2015.

Therefore, Greeks expect in return concrete measures from lenders to ease the pressure on recession-hit people, he added.

"Growth will return. Economy will make a great rebound in 2017. The question is whether this will last and this will depend on the negotiations between the EU and the International Monetary Fund on debt relief," the Greek leader stressed.

In order to ensure the sustainable growth the Greek government will also strive for and achieve in the next round of negotiations with creditors the lowering of primary surplus targets after 2018, Tsipras said.

As bailout inspectors are expected to Athens this week to discuss with Greek officials the pending prior actions for the release of the next rescue loans to the debt-ridden economy, the Greek premier underlined that only technical issues remain to be resolved.

The Greek government's will is to "pick up pace and conclude all actions according to the agreement quickly," he said responding to recent comments by European officials that Athens is again lagging on the implementation of the needed reforms.