Reuters interview with Greek Finance Minister makes media splash

Reuters hit the ground running in the new year with an exclusive interview with the Greek finance minister who firmly denied reports that Athens was considering restructuring debt held by bond holders and that a sell-off of state companies would raise 7 billion euros to help bolster public finances. The interview was picked up by Greek media and international competitors, including Bloomberg. Spreads between Greek 10-year bonds and benchmark German Bunds narrowed by about four basis points after George Papaconstantinou denied Greece was in talks with banks to extend payment of outstanding debt. .