Greeks hope for speedy debt relief review

Greece and its international lenders resumed talks in Athens yesterday on the country’s fiscal and reform progress, rekindling Athens’ hopes that its first bailout review may be concluded before the end of April.

Prime minister Alexis Tsipras wants to conclude the review swiftly to start talks on, hoping to convince an angry public their sacrifices are paying off after six years of austerity and lure back investors.

EU and IMF inspectors discussed the agenda of the review with finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos and were scheduled to meet labour minister George Katrougkalos later to discuss pension reforms. Fiscal issues are expected to be discussed today.