Λαγκάρντ: Εχει δεσμευτεί η κυβέρνηση για 1,5% του ΑΕΠ πρωτογενές πλεόνασμα το 2014. Δλδ 2,7 δις ευρω; Χωρίς νέα μέτρα; Πως;

QUESTIONER: Two quick points on Greece. First, when do you see the reopening of the discussion on the Greek debt issue based on the November 2012 Eurogroup decision, and what is your position on it? And the second question would be that there is concern in Athens that the IMF is asking, or demanding let's say, for new horizontal fiscal measures based on yesterday's Fiscal Monitor. Can you clarify the stance of the IMF, if it is actually asking or not?

MS. LAGARDE: I'll be very happy to do that. First of all, on the issue of the primary surplus confusion, let me just clarify that issue. The numbers referred to in the Fiscal Monitor that was released yesterday actually refer to an analytical method that is cyclically adjusted. That analytical method, which is fine, does not produce the same results as those that result from the assessment of the performance of the country under the program that we have going on at the moment.

Under the program going on at the moment, Greece has a target of a balance, and based on all the information we have, it will do better than that balance and it will actually produce a primary surplus in 2013. And the authorities, as we understand, are committed to reach the objective of 1.5 primary surplus in 2014. That is point No. 1.

Point No. 2, on the issue of new measures, it's premature, because the mission is due to return to Greece at the end of the months and we'll assess with the authorities where we are, what has been done, what the tax administration reform will produce in particular. If new measures were needed, I can tell you one thing, is that it is not going to be in the form of additional fiscal measures, and it will not be in the form of across-the-board, undifferentiated cuts in wages or pensions. Okay?

The third point that you have raised deals with the debt and that is a matter that has been agreed, which is part of a framework agreement between the European partners on the one hand, the Greek authorities on the other hand, and us. The European partners are committed to do certain things, and they have always reiterated those commitments, and we hope that they will continue to do that. I have no doubt about it. The Greek authorities are committed to deliver under the program, and they are doing everything they can at the moment, as we are observing, and we hope they continue to do that.

As far as the framework is concerned, we have objectives. We have debt sustainability numbers. All that stands, and there is no reason to have trepidation or questions about it. We will re-discuss those matters in mid-2014.

Πηγη: http://www.imf.org/external/np/tr/2013/tr101013.htm