Greek Finance Minister hails "historic" debt deal The Greek finance minister has hailed the bond swap deal that has enabled his country to avoid imminent bankrupcty. The government says well over 80 percent of private creditors have backed a plan that leaves the path clear for a new international bailout worth 130 billion euros from the EU, ECB and IMF. It aims to use the law to force unwilling investors to participate. In parliament the Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos said it was a historic day for the people and the national economy. The deal had an extremely high degree of success and exceeded all expectations, he said. The Greek people will understand that the debt swap deal is the best and most efficient method to solve the economy's problems. Greece now looks ready to receive the first batch of bailout funds. It is more than expected and I think it is a resounding success. Everyone's left to fend for himself. In a while people will be on the streets." said another. The unemployment rate - a record 21 per cent in December - is twice the eurozone average; more than half of young people are out of work. More about: Eurogroup, Financial Crisis, Greece, Greek debt, Greek economy