Frustrations Build as Greece Drags its Heels

Greek party leaders finally gathered on Wednesday to agree a reform deal in return for a new EU/IMF rescue to avoid a chaotic default, after repeated delays which have prompted warnings that the euro can live without Athens. With the future of Greece and the wider euro zone at stake, Prime Minister Lucas Papademos' efforts to get the three parties in his government to accept the tough reforms demanded by the European Union and International Monetary Fund seem to have been thwarted by arguments over little more than procedural matters. One deadline after another has passed without the leaders making up their minds on terms for the new 130 billion euro ($172 billion) rescue which Athens must receive to avoid going bankrupt next month when big debt repayments are due. What was supposed to have been a crunch meeting on Tuesday was postponed because of missing paperwork, according to one party official, delaying discussion of a deal which will further inflame an angry Greek electorate. Continue reading this article