Greek PM Had 'Constructive Discussion' with IMF Chief, Fund's Spokesman Says

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had a "constructive discussion" on the next steps and IMF support for the Greek programme, IMF deputy spokesman William Murray reported on Thursday.

Speaking during a regular press briefing, Murray was replying to questions about a lengthy phone call between Lagarde and Tsipras on Wednesday. In reply to other questions relating to the technical teams in Athens, he said that talks were continuing in Athens and that political talks were expected to follow.

He confirmed that Greece had promptly paid installments for IMF loans in March and said he was unaware of any request by the Greek premier to delay the next installment. He noted that Greece had publicly stressed its intention to pay off its loans and pointed out that when a country failed to meet its obligations to the IMF, then its financing programme was stopped.