The Greek government is entering the final stage of talks with the EC-ECB-IMF "troika" over drafting the closely watched Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy Programme, including additional fiscal interventions this year and an ambitious privatisation and state assets management plan.

Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou has repeatedly said that talks are progressing satisfactorily and that they are expected to be completed in the next few days.

Finance ministry sources told ANA-MPA on Monday that the two sides have reached a consensus over the necessary interventions for the current year, and particularly tax measures (raising the lowest tier VAT rates from 13 pct to 23 pct).

The same sources said talks are not focusing on determining the legal form of a State Property Fund - which will manage whatever privatisations - and the participation of troika officials in its operations, ostensibly to offer know-how and technical support.

Meanwhile, the Greek government is expected to meet with Deutsche Telekom officials on the heels of a government decision to immediately sell another 10 pct in the listed Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) to the German group.