Greece expects to conclude talks with European Union and IMF officials on a multi-billion euro aid deal on Saturday, Reuters quoted a government official as saying, as thousands demonstrated in Athens against government cutbacks. French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde also said she was expecting an aid package in the region of 100-120 billion euros ($133-$160 billion), and had "good hopes" that an agreement could be reached by the end of this weekend. Greece's fiscal problems have rocked markets and exposed divisions among euro zone members over how to handle the crisis. Athens is negotiating with officials from the International Monetary Fund, European Commission and European Central Bank, but any deal must go to the Greek cabinet and EU governments. "We expect to conclude the negotiations with the IMF, the EU and the ECB today," the Greek official told Reuters. "The prime minister (George Papandreou) will hold a cabinet meeting tomorrow morning at 1000-1030 (0700-0730 GMT)." In Paris, Lagarde's comments came after French President Nicolas Sarkozy held a meeting of French ministers on Saturday to discuss Greece. His office said France and Germany were determined to implement a three-year aid plan rapidly. But the rescue will come in return for draconian budget cuts in Greece, where thousands marched on May Day shouting slogans against austerity measures they say only hurt the poor and will drag the country further into recession. "No to the IMF's junta!," protesters chanted, referring to the military dictatorship which ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974. "Hands off our rights! IMF and EU Commission out!," the protesters shouted as they marched to parliament. -- SPA
