Greek Bailout Referendum on the Edge of Being Ditched

The Greek circus act continues.

Prime Minister George Papandreou now says that a referendum on Greece's bailout will be scrapped if the conservative opposition agreed to back the package in parliament.

"I will be glad even if we don't go to a referendum, which was never a purpose in itself. I'm glad that all this discussion has at least brought a lot of people back to their senses," Papandreou said in a speech.

"If the opposition comes to the table to back the bailout, a referendum is not needed," said Papandreou.

His office denied Papandreou had spoken to news outlets on Thursday after some reports quoted him as saying he had scrapped plans for a referendum.