Deal on review would require IMF consent

The chances of the government reaching an agreement with the country's creditors by Monday's Eurogroup meeting are slim, because a number of issues remain unresolved between Athens and the eurozone and, according to a senior eurozone official, a staff-level agreement would require the consent of the International Monetary Fund.

The same official noted that major progress had been made in talks with Athens, saying they are taking place in a very positive climate, but "we are not yet in agreement as a series of issues remain open."

However, the main problem is the impasse regarding the IMF's participation in the Greek program, which is necessary for the second bailout review to be completed. "It is logical that the IMF is needed for the staff-level agreement, as everyone has to be on the same page," the eurozone official explained.

The debt sustainability analysis,...