Greece in race to finish bailout review as exit nears

ATHENS, Greece – Bailout negotiators are returning to Greece to try and reach a deal by the end of the year on the terms for the next loan payout, as the debt-plagued country prepares to end eight years of rescue funding programs next summer.

At meetings Monday with finance ministry officials, the envoys from European Union institutions and the International Monetary Fund will start discussions on a long list of demanded reforms. They include reducing state control of public utilities and an extensive review of government spending so that budget surplus targets can be met in 2018.

Bailout reviews are normally delayed for months as governments push back against demands for austerity. But Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is keen to conclude the current negotiations swiftly to help a smooth return to bond markets.