DHAKA: The latest round of talks between Greek and EU officials in Brussels has failed to reach an agreement.

A European Commission spokesman said while progress was made on Sunday, ‘significant gaps’ remained.

Europe wants Greece to make spending cuts worth €2bn, to secure a deal that will unlock bailout funds.

Greek deputy prime minister Yannis Dragasakis said that Athens was still ready to negotiate with its lenders.

He said Greek government proposals submitted on Sunday had fully covered the fiscal deficit as demanded.

However, Dragasakis added that the EU and IMF still wanted Greece to cut pensions - something Athens has said it would never accept.

IMF chief economist Olivier Blanchard said in a blog post that an agreement will require ‘difficult decisions’, with ‘tough choices and tough commitments to be made on both sides’.

The cash-strapped nation is trying to agree a funding deal with the European Union and IMF before the end of June to avoid a default.

Eurozone finance ministers will discuss Greece when they meet on Thursday. The gathering is regarded as Greece’s last chance to strike a deal.

The Commission spokesman said, ‘President (Jean-Claude) Juncker remains convinced that with stronger reform efforts on the Greek side and political will on all sides, a solution can still be found before the end of the month’.

BDST: 1230 HRS, JUN 15, 2015
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