Reaching a deal with creditors is not going to be easy

The government and the country's creditors resumed their talks in Athens on Tuesday for the third bailout review, with the main topic being the launch of online auctions on Wednessday.

Monday's decision by notaries to end their abstention may facilitate the auctions but does not ensure they will continue uninterrupted. A source from the creditors said the auctions' start is a necessary condition for reaching a staff-level agreement by next Monday's Eurogroup meeting.

The government is optimistic that the negotiations will be concluded by Saturday, with the creditors having sent Athens a draft agreement to study on Friday. According to a government source, the draft contains "many small technical points as well as issues that concern the application timetables," where there remain certain differences between the two sides. They will form part of talks in the coming days....