A German legislator with close links to the foreig minister has suggested Greece could be allowed slightly later deadlines to implement reforms and austerity measure demanded by international creditors. Christian Lindner, who heads the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the state of North Rhine Westphalia and is thought to have the ear of German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, told dpa that Greece's bailout programme "shouldn't collapse because of just a few days difference." "There is too much at stake for that," said Linder. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is expected to seek an easing of the bailout terms when he meets Friday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and on Saturday with French President Francois Hollande. Germany gave mixed signals this week about how much latitude it would allow Athens over its lagging efforts to slash spending. Westerwelle has rejected "substantial easing" of the bailout terms imposed on Greece, but also repeatedly pointed out that Greece has suffered "objective" delays due to holding two recent elections. This has been interpreted as meaning that some deadlines could be shifted back while leaving the savings targets in place. Lindner said Greece should be assessed according to the reform objectives it had met. "We have a major interest in preserving the monetary union, with Greece included," he said. -- SPA
