Hungary's government still awaits recommendations from international lenders which could be included in the 2013 budget due for approval in mid-December, Chief Negotiator in talks with financial organisations Mihály Varga told Hungarian daily Népszabadság on Friday.

Minister Varga held talks recently with Head of The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Budapest Office Iryna Ivaschenko and in Washington with Head of IMF Mission in Hungary Athanasios Arvanitis. Consultations have become more frequent in November, by phone and electronically as well. Talks with IMF representatives concentrated on three government measures aimed at reducing the public deficit to below 3% in 2013, he said. On two measures - capping social benefits and public-sector employment issues - the two sides were in agreement, while taxing the financial sector caused some disagreement, Minister Varga told the paper.

"IMF says there is not enough time, but I say a lot can be done in three weeks," Minister Varga told the paper. He said that if international lenders would make suggestions after Parliament has passed next year's budget, it would be difficult to open it again to make changes. Minister Varga said there was no official date for continuing talks with the IMF.

(Minister without portfolio)