IMF chief to meet Merkel

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February 22, 2017 4:06 PM

The IMF, which has not yet confirmed its participation in a third bailout, has argued for some measure of debt relief for Athens.

Christine Lagarde, Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Wednesday, traveled to Berlin to discuss the Greek debt crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

It has placed the fund at odds with Berlin and other governments in the 19-member eurozone.

German officials said that lack of participation by the IMF would bring about an end to the Greek rescue programme, potentially bringing about a new funding crisis for Athens.

Merkel, who is facing an electoral threat from the right-wing Alternative for Germany this September, is keen to get the IMF on board, to convince voters that the bailout is credible.

The chancellor is due to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker later on Wednesday for a working dinner at the chancellery.

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