All three parties in Greece's governing coalition say they want a two-year extension, to 2016, in the new austerity deadline, and IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Thursday said she backs the notion.
"I said repeatedly that an additional two years was necessary for the country to actually face the Fiscal Consolidation Program that is considered," Lagarde told reporters as the IMF and World Bank held annual meetings in Tokyo.
But German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who in a visit to Athens on Tuesday praised Greek progress with reforms but stressed that much remains to be done, said the troika must deliver its report before any decision is made.
"I do not want to comment on every single statement of which we see many during a single day," she said. "This is the base. I now wait for the troika report, then we will forge our position," she said.
- Photo gallery: Tornado rips Oklahoma suburb
- Fire chief says search almost complete in...
- Journalists criticize Obama administration,...
- Should we let wunderkinds drop out of high...
- Car dealership apologizes for radio ad
- Former IRS chief to Congress: Can't say how...
- Top scandals and controversies of each United...
- World War II munitions with mustard agent...
- Mitt Romney talks IRS, AP records,...
65 - Journalists criticize Obama...
37 - Associated Press CEO calls records...
23 - White House insists Obama was not...
22 - More Obama aides knew IRS targeted...
19 - House chairman sees IRS targeting as...
16 - Supreme Court to weigh in on...
16 - Former IRS chief to Congress: Can't say...
16


