European Stability Mechanism (ESM) chief Klaus Regling in statements after a meeting with Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos on Tuesday made a call to respect the target for the primary surplus of 3.5 pct of GDP, as it is part of last summer's agreement.

BoG Governor Mr. Stournaras said in a letter to FT that it is time to strike the right balance between reforms and debt relief, adding that now Greece needs a new deal with its partners and lenders in order to move forward.

Greece is expected to achieve a small primary surplus in 2015 instead of a deficit as seen in its international bailout program, which will help Athens during a progress review this week, a government official told Reuters on Monday.