Greek reform proposals fall far short of commitments, say EU officials

Athens

GREECE's provisional agreement with creditors to avert a default started to crack as European officials said the country's latest proposals fell far short of what was put forward two weeks ago and Greek ministers floated the prospect of a referendum if their reforms are rejected.

The list of measures Greece's government sent to euro region finance ministers last Friday, including the idea of hiring non-professional tax collectors such as tourists, is "far" from complete and the country probably won't receive an aid disbursement this month, Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Sunday.

Greece's anti-austerity government, elected in January on a promise to renegotiate the terms of a 240 billion euro (S$360 billion) bailout, has to present detailed proposals to European creditors or risk running out of cash as soon as this month. The renewed tens…