We are still a good distance away from a coherent programme – Lagarde to Greece PM

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Ms Christine Lagarde in a reply to a letter by the Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras on the IMF’s programme for Greece, has told the latter that the IMF and Greece are “still a good distance away from a coherent programme.”

“My view of the ongoing negotiations is that we are still a good distance away from having a coherent programme that I can present to our Executive Board. I have on many occasions stressed that we can only support a programme that is credible and based on realistic assumptions, and that delivers on its objective of setting Greece on a path of robust growth while gradually restoring debt sustainability,” she wrote.

Greece has been going through a financial crisis for sometime now. Efforts to secure a bailout and disagreements over deals for financial support from the IMF has been a long drawn one.

See below the full details of the letter.

His Excellency Mr. Alexis Tsipras

Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic

Athens, Greece

Dear Prime Minister,

Thank you for your letter of April 2, in which you ask about the IMF’s position regarding the programme negotiations with Greece.

My view of the ongoing negotiations is that we are still a good distance away from having a coherent programme that I can present to our Executive Board. I have on many occasions stressed that we can only support a programme that is credible and based on realistic assumptions, and that delivers on its objective of setting Greece on a path of robust growth while gradually restoring debt sustainability.

Otherwise it would fail to re-establish confidence, with the implication, among others, that Greece would soon again be forced to adopt yet more measures. Of course, any speculation that IMF staff would consider using a credit event as a negotiating tactic is simply nonsense.

As you and I have discussed several times, including recently on the telephone, I have been consistent in pointing out that, if it were necessary to lower the fiscal targets to have a realistic chance of them being fully met, there would be an attendant need for more debt relief. In the interest of the Greek people, we need to bring these negotiations to a speedy conclusion.

I agree with you that successful negotiations are built on mutual trust, and this weekend’s incident has made me concerned as to whether we can indeed achieve progress in a climate of extreme sensitivity to statements of either side. On reflection, however, I have decided to allow our team to return to Athens to continue the discussions.

The team consists of experienced staff who have my full confidence and personal backing. For them to be able to do their work, as you have invited us, it is critical that your authorities ensure an environment that respects the privacy of their internal discussions and take all necessary steps to guarantee their personal safety.

Finally, the IMF conducts its negotiations in good faith, not by way of threats, and we do not communicate through leaks. To further enhance the transparency of our dialogue, I have therefore decided to release the text of this letter on our website at www.imf.org.

I also look forward to any personal conversation with you on how to take the discussions forward.

Sincerely yours,

Christine Lagarde