Greece pledges more cuts in public sector

GREECE promised more cuts to its bloated public sector yesterday and held a second conference call in two days with its international lenders, whom it must convince to extend more loans to prevent its coffers running dry next month.

Anger over austerity among ordinary Greeks is matched by bailout fatigue among north European creditor countries, especially Germany, Finland and the Netherlands, which are taking the toughest line on strict conditions for more money.

The European Union and International Monetary Fund (IMF) are increasing pressure on Athens to deliver on pledges to slash its deficit.