Gov't & Troika In Agreement Over 2013 Primary Surplus

(capital) - The Greek government has in effect come to an agreement with the troika over the 2013 primary surplus, according to a senior Finance ministry official said.

Speaking to the state news agency AMNA, the official noted that:

     "we are meeting revenue targets and have faired better on the expenses side. We have made a full assessment for 2013 and there is an agreement on the figures. However, there are some marginal differences for January and February. The troika΄s technical staff is evaluating the fiscal data. I think we are heading towards an agreement over the 2013 primary surplus".
     "Our data confirm that there is no fiscal gap for 2014," the official stressed, adding that the main issue is now the 2013 positive results that will be rollovered to 2014.

He also admitted that he was not aware when troika΄s top officials would return to Athens but he did made it clear that their delay was not due to fiscal issues.

The government has sent a plethora of figures to its lenders΄ representatives and is still waiting for their answers.

Another Finance Ministry official said that 10 million Euros from the budget reserves and 60 million euros from the Public Investment Program have been used for the relief of earthquake stricken Cephalonia.