ANA/MPA—Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to meet with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker on Friday, at 14:30, according to sources. “I am optimistic that we can soon reach a stable, long-term and viable solution, without the mistakes of the past – and Greece will return to growth with cohesion. I am optimistic,” Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Friday said upon arrival at the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga. “The discussion with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande on Thursday was very constructive, in a very good and friendly climate,” he added. The meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande on Thursday was held in a constructive climate. The three leaders agreed on the significant progress achieved and focused on the open issues. According to the same sources, the Greek prime minister spoke of the country’s perspective to exit the crisis if a long term deal is reached. On their part, Merkel and Hollande noted that they understand the need of such a deal and expressed their willingness to help, even at a personal level, so that an agreement is soon reached. They also discussed the terms of the agreement and the next day. The insistence on the IMF’s agreement to the deal is the only ‘thorny’ issue, government sources said. The same sources estimated that we are close to an agreement while negotiations continue. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will meet with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker at 14:30 to discuss the course of the negotiations.
