Brussels, 10/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 January, Greece seemed close to an agreement with its banks on the voluntary wiping out of part of its debt, which would provide welcome momentum in the difficult talks with the EU and IMF and would make it possible to avoid payment default by the country in March. According to the Greek media, Prime Minister Lucas Papademos has told his ministers that a deal with the banks could be reached early next week, while Secretary of State for Finance Philippos Sachinidis has said that the country is at a satisfactory point in discussions. At stake is: - the voluntary wiping out agreed by the banks of €100 billion in public debt, which will never be reimbursed by the country, i.e. 50% of the some 206 billion bonds held by private institutions. Discussions covered securities due to reach maturity between 2012 and 2020 that are to be replaced by the new bonds. The exchange of debt is expected to take place in February. (LC/transl.jl)