Is Russia Greece's last hope for financial survival? -NBC
Athens – Kyiv, April 01 (PolitNavigator, Vasily Ablyazimov) – Greece's reserves are running low, and reconciliation with the Troika (the EU, ECB, and IMF) is impossible. Is Russia really Greece's last hope for financial survival, asks the American channel NBC.
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A meeting between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for April 8th. Speculation is growing around the meeting that an offer of help from Russia could split the anti-Russian coalition in the EU.
Russia has said it is ready to provide money to Greece, but Greece is still stuck at a crossroads with help from eurozone countries and the International Monetary Fund. But that was before the country was forced to burn bridges in its flirtation with default.
According to forecasts, Greece's money from loans will run out before April 20. The Tsipras government does not intend to take more loans from the IMF, nor does it intend to reduce social benefits and expenses to please the fund. That is why a tranche of a loan of 7 billion euros may be blocked.
“There is recognition from creditors that there is a need to finally start a discussion about restructuring Greek debt,” said Alexis Tsipras.
Against this background, the meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and the Russian President on April 8 is relevant and can provide Greece with the means to survive without any financial assistance from the IMF.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told NBC back in January that if Tsipras and Syriza were elected, Russia would consider providing aid to the country.
German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on Sunday that the Greek government was looking to negotiate lower prices for gas from Russia and lift an embargo on certain Greek products such as fruit.
So, the channel summarizes, an important meeting with possible far-reaching consequences will take place on April 8th.
Is Russia Greece's Last Hope for Financial Survival? – NBC