Greek budget surplus for 2013 seen topping forecast

The primary surplus, which excludes interest payments, is being closed watched because twice-bailed out Greece is eligible for debt relief from its euro zone and International Monetary Fund partners once it reports an annual surplus.

The latest surplus forecast compared with an estimate of at least 812 million euros in the budget presented in December.

"Data from the general government, social security organisations and hospitals are good and this is why it (the surplus) may exceed 1 billion euros," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

 As Reuters reports, the Europeans statistics agency Eurostat will formally pronounce in April whether Greece achieved a primary surplus in 2013. If so, it would have achieved the target a year ahead of schedule under the terms of its 240-billion euro bailout plan.

Athens expects debt relief talks to start after April, seeking to obtain lower interest rates and longer maturities on its rescue loans.