Just A Few Sticking Points Remain - Like The Major Items !

Sticking points remain in talks with lenders

2 Feb 2012

Government spokesman Pantelis Kapsis (File photo) The government has completed a bulk of talks on a new bailout with foreign lenders, but needs to overcome a few sticking points before negotiations can be wrapped up, a spokesman for the Greek government said on Thursday.   "There are three or four sticking points left," spokesman Pantelis Kapsis told Mega television channel.   "The bulk of the negotiations has been concluded."   He said the sticking points revolved around wages, supplementary pensions and the recapitalisation of banks.   Bankers and officials have said the country's second, 130bn euro bailout must be agreed before a debt swap deal with private second bondholders can also be finalised. Officials from the troika are due to meet government officials on Thursday to try to reach an agreement with lenders on the remaining issues. Prime Minister Lucas Papademos will then meet political party leaders later on Thursday or on Friday to secure their backing for the measures, Kapsis said. (Reuters/Athens News)