International creditors knock Greek optimism of reaching debt accord as unfounded

Athens

GREECE once again expressed optimism that the country will reach a deal with creditors in the coming days, only to have that confidence knocked down by internal officials as unfounded.

The most recent vow that an accord is imminent came on Thursday from the government's chief spokesman - who said that an agreement could be hammered out by Sunday - even as international creditors lined up to say that the two sides are still far apart and a lot of work needs to be done.