The government did not step back, PM Tsipras says

In his speech at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras referred to the issues that need to be resolved ahead of the completion of the first round of the prior actions, the recapitalization of banks and the disbursement of the 10+2 billion euros. He also referred to the success of the Greek government to not step back on the open issues (100 installments in debt settlement, VAT on education) and not to connect the first evaluation of the programme with the recapitalization of the banks.
He stressed that the government's priority is the conclusion of the negotiations within the week so that the EWG and the SSM give the green light for the disbursement of the 10+2 billion euros on Monday. The relevant bill will be submitted to the Parliament next week.
Tsipras also referred to his upcoming trip to Turkey, stressing that the Greek government will play a leading role in the negotiation between EU and Turkey on the refugee crisis.
The prime minister stressed the need for the Greek government not to stick only to the implementation of the agreement with the creditors, but to speed up the implementation of the policy statements in several sectors (public administration, corruption, combating undeclared employment, healthcare, stable and fair tax system, national dialogue on education).
The government's aim is to leave its progressive mark and proceed with huge reforms that the Greek government needs.
Tsipras called on the ministers to submit an action plan based on the policy statements, an obligation that needs to be met by the end of next week.