Greek PM glosses over delays and weak data, says economy is recovering

Athens

GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Monday that the economy was turning a page and poised to show "exceptionally high" rates of growth, despite data showing output slumped more than expected in the fourth quarter of last year.

Putting a brave face on delays in a bailout review with lenders, Mr Tsipras said a national growth strategy was needed for the country, on its third international bailout since 2010. "For the present year, the forecasts show that the Greek economy will show exceptionally high rates of growth after many years of recession, the highest at a eurozone level," Mr Tsipras told a Cabinet meeting.