By Heather Scott
WASHINGTON (MNI) – The International Monetary Fund said Thursday it
will send a mission to Athens Monday to discuss steps towards a possible
financial aid package, after Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou
earlier in the day sent a letter to top officials in Europe and the
Fund, requesting aid talks.
IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said in a statement,
“Following a request by the Greek authorities, I have agreed to send an
IMF team to Athens to begin discussions with the Greek authorities this
coming Monday on policies that could provide the basis for Fund
financial assistance, under a multi-year program, in the case that the
authorities decide to ask for such assistance.
“The Greek decision to initiate Fund program engagement is
consistent with the agreement among European leaders last weekend that
financial support from members of the euro area should go hand-in-hand
with IMF engagement and financial assistance,” Strauss-Kahn said.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
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