Talks with creditor institutions were expected to begin in Athens today.
The existing troika – the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) – was expected to become a quartet with the addition of a representative from a new component, the European Stability Mechanism.
After Athens failed to send a “special invitation” to IMF technocrats the Fund will not be in the country Friday.
European officials stated that the European Commission representative will not join the talks either.
EU officials who spoke to iefimerida.gr on condition of anonymity said that the two institutions coordinate their moves and if the IMF mission chief for Greece will not join the talks the EC representative will not be present either.
Aside from demanding Athens approve a series of controversial budget cuts and economic overhauls, the IMF is putting pressure on the eurozone to commit to a detailed debt-restructuring plan for Greece.
The issue of debt restructuring is a contentious one, with Germany in particular opposing such a step as incompatible with eurozone membership.
A Greek government official who spoke to in.gr expressed hope that talks will resume on Monday July 27 as the Greek government aims for speedy resolution with lenders. But whether the negotiations between Greece and its creditors will unlock funds before August 20 remains dubious