ATHENS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Greece's foreign creditors have arrived in Athens for talks on the course of the economy which will start on Tuesday afternoon, according to Greek Finance Ministry sources on Monday.

The results of their contacts with the Greek authorities will determine whether the country will return to the markets, after nearly 10 years of external financial help.

Greece exited its third bailout program last August and will, according to the post-memorandum era program, still have to implement a series of actions.

In some of these, there are pending issues, such as the reduction of the "red" loans to Greek banks, the new framework for the protection of primary residence and the privatization program.

An additional issue to be raised is the increase in the minimum wage, a hot political issue especially in the run-up to this year's general election in Greece.

The government is proposing a raise of between 5 and 10 percent, while Brussels has expressed concern, with European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici warning that any hikes will need to be compatible with the financial conditions and the level of unemployment.

These issues, according to government sources, could even remain on the table until March 11, when Eurogroup is expected to issue a decision on the return to Athens of the profits eurozone central banks have made from holding Greek bonds. This is a tranche of some 750 million euros (852.6 million U.S. dollars).

The International Monetary Fund's mission to Athens will be of a "purely advisory" nature, IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice noted before the discussions in Athens, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

Rice unveiled there would be several visits throughout the year by missions for post-program surveillance to consult with Greek authorities and provide advice and support in analysis. (1 Euro =1.136 U.S. dollars) Enditem

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