IMF negotiator prepares to join Greek talks as deadline looms

Delia Velculescu's imminent arrival coincides with fears that Greece will be unable to wrap up discussions by 20 August, when a3.4bn payment is due

Discussions between Greece and its creditors are set to step up a gear when the International Monetary Fund's lead representative arrives in Athens for talks.

However, the arrival of the Romanian-born Delia Velculescu on Thursday coincides with growing speculation that it will be impossible to wrap up negotiations for a third bailout by the 20 August deadline. This date is when the a3.4bn (2.4bn) payment is due from the Greek government to the European Central Bank. Instead, officials and local politicians in Greece believe that eurozone creditors will ensure the country receives a bridging loan to prevent a default.

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