Greek PM warns of even deeper recession

ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s prime minister says the country’s economy could contract by more than seven percent this year, but can return to growth within 18 months.

Antonis Samaras also says he hopes to reduce unemployment from a record high of nearly 24 percent to 10 percent by the end of his four-year term in office.

Samaras spoke to his conservative party lawmakers Tuesday, as representatives of Greece’s bailout creditors met officials in Athens as part of their assessment of the country’s austerity and reform commitments.

Debt-crippled Greece depends on rescue loans from its European partners and the International Monetary Fund. But if it fails to meet pledges for cutbacks and reforms, the cash lifeline could be cut, forcing the country to default on its obligations and potentially abandon the common European currency.