Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                    Greece to Seek Loan Agreement Extension

   by VOA News

   Greece was preparing Wednesday to request an extension of up to six
   months of the current bailout package for Athens, due to expire on
   February 28.

   The Greek government has indicated it wants to extend the loan
   agreement of more than $270 billion without the austerity conditions
   agreed to by the former center-right government.

   Germany, the main European creditor, reacted with skepticism, while the
   European Commission said it would await the Greek proposal.

   German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said an extension should not
   be sought unless the promised reforms are carried out.

   Talks between Athens and European officials have failed to produce any
   breakthroughs on the issue.

   Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis told his Eurozone counterparts
   that his county was "ready and willing to apply for an extension of our
   loan agreement till the end of August, or any other duration that
   eurogroup may deem fit.''

   He said Greece would also agree on "a number of sensible conditions,''
   but he did not elaborate.

   Lawmakers from Greece's ruling coalition said Tuesday they were seeking
   a solution with international creditors, but insisted the country would
   not be "blackmailed."
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/greece-to-seek-loan-agreement-extensi
   on/2648773.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/greece-to-seek-loan-agreement-extension/2648773.html