MW: Greek political deal imminent says media reports
By Barbara Kollmeyer
MADRID (MarketWatch) -- Media outlets reported Thursday that a deal between Greek political leaders over austerity measures has been reached and a statement will be released shortly. Earlier in the day, a five-hour meeting of party leaders had failed to reach agreement over austerity cuts demanded by the European Union and International Monetary Fund as a prerequisite for a 130 billion euro ($170 billion) second rescue package. The funds are needed to keep Greece from defaulting on a bond repayment in March. The FT reported on its eurozone crisis blog that an official in the prime minister's office said: "There's an agreement, Mr. Papademos has met with Mr. Samaras and it's done. There will be a statement shortly." Antonis Samaras is leader of the conservative New Democracy party. The Athens Composite index GR:GD +0.10% was trading flat at 808.98
