Greece closes in on bailout deal possibly within the day

Greece's Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis, left, arrives at a hotel to continue talks with bailout negotiators, in central Athens, on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015. Athens and the negotiators are hoping to conclude talks Tuesday for a third bailout package. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) Greece's Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis, left, arrives at a hotel to continue talks with bailout negotiators, in central Athens, on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015. Athens and the negotiators are hoping to conclude talks Tuesday for a third bailout package. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

By Associated Press August 11, 2015 1 min read

ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos says the country is near to securing a new bailout agreement, possibly within the day.

Tsakalotos emerged early Tuesday from nightlong talks with bailout negotiators at a central Athens hotel. He told reporters that discussions have “moved very far forward” and that “two or three details remain.” He did not provide further details.

Greece’s government is hoping to push the new 85 billion-euro ($93 billion) three-year agreement through parliament this week. However, many in the ruling left-wing Syriza party are voicing their opposition to the deal, which would see the imposition of further spending cuts among a series of austerity measures.

Figures next week are set to confirm that Greece’s recession deepened in the second quarter as concerns over the country’s euro future dented confidence.