Greece close to EU-IMF deal, creditors must drop 'absurd' demands: PM

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Friday said the country was close to a default-saving reform deal but called on EU-IMF creditors to withdraw "absurd" demands for further austerity cuts after ducking a loan repayment to the IMF. "I believe we are now closer than ever to a deal," Tsipras said in a speech to parliament as he faced criticism from the opposition on the state of the negotiations. "It is clear that the Greek government cannot under any circumstances cons