IMF: no timeline for concluding Greece talks

(WASHINGTON) - The International Monetary Fund said Thursday that there was no fixed time for concluding crunch finance talks in Athens between the Greek government and the IMF, European Union and European Central Bank.

"Those discussions are ongoing... We have no timeline yet in terms of when that mission will end," said IMF spokesman Gerry Rice.

"Broadly we continue to work with the Greek government to find sustainable feasible measures to bring fiscal policy back on track and underpin a fully credible program," he said.

On Wednesday, Greek Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras said he expects to conclude talks with the aid troika on adjusting Greece's bailout program and releasing new funds ahead of Monday's meeting of eurozone finance ministers in Luxembourg.

But Rice gave no hint as to whether a deal would be reached by that time.

"Everyone is moving as fast as they can, given the difficult situation facing Greece and the intention to support Greece in this difficult situation.... Urgency is of the essence," he said.