Merkel says won’t discuss new Greek request before referendum: lawmaker

Chancellor Angela Merkel told lawmakers Tuesday that Germany won't enter into new aid negotiations with Greece before its weekend referendum, a parliamentarian said.

"Before the referendum Germany can't negotiate a new request" for assistance, Merkel was quoted as saying by a lawmaker of her conservative Christian Democrats.

Greece on Tuesday requested a two-year rescue deal with the European Union to save the crisis-hit country, just hours before its international bailout expires.

[AFP]