Chance of deal small in current climate, says Greek labor minister

Greek government officials say all possibilities are open in the deadlocked talks with its creditors in Brussels, including that of not reaching an agreement.

With Greece facing a potential debt default on Tuesday, European leaders have demanded that eurozone finance ministers reach an agreement Saturday on getting the country more bailout loans. The talks are stuck on what economic reforms Greece should make in return for the loans. Without them, Greece faces bankruptcy and an exit from the euro.

Labor Minister Panos Skourletis said Friday that in the current climate in the talks, chances of a deal are small. He criticized some creditor demands, such as increasing consumer tax on Greeces vital tourist industry.

Separately, Interior Minister Nikos Voutsis said all possibilities were open regarding the chance of a deal.

[AP]