Greece Says It Is on Track to Repay Bailout BERLIN - Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of Greece, meeting on Friday with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, said that his country was poised to return to economic stability and was "on track" to repay its international creditors. Standing beside Ms. Merkel after talks in Berlin on Friday, Mr. Samaras cited a primary budget surplus - a surplus that excludes debt payments - that his government has projected for 2013 as an indicator that the Greek economy was on the mend after six straight years of recession. He also pointed to a plunge in Greece's 10-year government bond yields, to 8 percent from 25 percent in August. "We are on track, we don't ask for anything else," Mr. Samaras said. We are doing our part of the deal and believe that everyone else should be doing their part. Mr. Samara's comments referred to a decision taken last November by the Eurogroup of euro zone finance ministers, when they agreed that Greece would be eligible for a fresh look at its needs as soon as it was able to finance current government spending, improve the economy and fulfill other promises to its international lenders - the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission. The government in Athens on Thursday outlined a budget for 2014 that predicted a return to economic growth, though there are myriad obstacles to such a milestone. The government blueprint also predicted a primary surplus of 812 million euros, or nearly $1.1 billion, this year and €2.95 billion for 2014. Ms. Merkel said that Germany stood by the Eurogroup decision, but cautioned that there were still numerous requirements to be met before any discussion about easing the bailout terms could take place. "The primary surplus is only one element that is there as a precondition, but it's not the only element that needs to be fulfilled," she said. Beyond its international loans, Germany has further supported Greece through bilateral programs at the municipal, educational and cultural levels aimed at restoring ties that grew frayed through the bitter public debate that raged between the two countries in the depths of the crisis. The importance of their relationship was reflected in the decision by Mr. Samaras to make Berlin his first foreign visit in August of 2012, shortly after his election. On Saturday, he was expected to explain his country's reform efforts to a gathering of economic leaders in Berlin. Ms. Merkel is a frequent target of Greek anger at the painful raft of cuts to social services and government overhauls required in exchange for bailouts worth 240 billion euros, or $325 billion. The chancellor, who has long sought to soothe the tension by expressing understanding for the burden borne by the Greek people, reiterated her faith in the efforts of Mr. Samaras's government to meet his country's goals. "One must have a certain degree of confidence, and not always assume the worst," she said, before swiftly adding, "This doesn't mean that we will grant relief or be soft on you, but I think that a lot has been done in past years." In a joint statement on Thursday morning, the "troika" of Greece's international creditors made similarly cautious remarks, noting that "good progress has been made, but a few issues remain outstanding." The statement added that a review of Greece's situation would resume in early December. Mr. Samaras declined to comment on talks with the group of creditors, or the €1.5 billion budget gap that the creditors have projected for the coming year, three times Greece's original estimate. Greek government officials have said they hope a deal will be reached with the creditors before a meeting of the Eurogroup ministers on Dec. 9.