Greek govt says disagrees with new debt proposals, talks to continue
Greek negotiators "do not agree" with their creditors' latest proposals for a deal to prevent Athens from defaulting on its massive debts, a Greek government source said Wednesday, but added that talks were continuing.
"Negotiations continue at all levels," the official added.
"The Greek delegation went (to Brussels) for discussions on the basis of Monday's proposals. The institutions in turn submitted a new proposal that weighs unfairly on workers and pensioners."
The source added that the latest measures suggested by Greece's IMF and EU creditors "spare the richest" Greeks from shouldering enough of the burden.
The suggestions notably include more restrictive conditions on pensions and higher hikes in value-added tax than Athens had proposed at the beginning of this week.
But the EU and IMF creditors have also proposed lower corporation tax than Athens -- 28 percent as opposed to Athens' suggestion of maintaining the current rates of 26 to 29 percent.
The Greek official spoke as eurozone finance ministers suspended a crunch meeting aimed at reaching a deal, with talks to resume Thursday.