Greek PM to drop bailout referendum

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou says he is ready to drop a proposed referendum on the country's eurozone bailout deal.



He said he has started talks to secure opposition support in parliament which would make the vote unnecessary.



His announcement of a referendum angered European leaders and sent shockwaves through its markets.



Facing calls for his resignation, Papandreou called for unity in the ruling party’s ranks ahead of a confidence vote tomorrow.



Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos, has opposed the referendum and says Greece must do everything it can to reassure its international partners it will immediately implement the Eurozone bailout deal.



EU leaders said Greece cannot get bailout cash until it agrees to the deal.