Greece's finance minister says the country wants to conclude negotiations for a second bailout by the end of the summer "at the latest."
Evangelos Venizelos said the next €12 billion rescue loan payout due next month will cover state expenses through mid-September, and he urged the opposition to side with the government in negotiations with the country’s international creditors.
The minister spoke Monday at the start of a closely-watched debate in parliament to approve a new €28 billion austerity package and implementation law — both of which must be passed if Greece is to receive the next batch of its bailout loans and avoid defaulting on its debts next month.
