Greece reaches long-delayed deal on bailout loans - by Elena Becatoros and Nicholas Paphitis

Greece concluded seven months of tortuous negotiations with its international debt inspectors Tuesday, reaching a deal that will allow it to access a long-delayed rescue loan installment.

The deal does not require Greece to impose any new austerity policies, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras insisted, as he outlined a series of relief measures for the most needy. "Today a long period of tribulations has ended, and a new beginning is being made," Samaras said. 

Greece has depended on its bailout from other European countries and the International Monetary Fund since mid-2010. Payment of the rescue loans depend on the country meeting criteria in spending cuts, tax increases and reforms. Greece's progress in meeting the targets is reviewed regularly by the debt inspectors, collectively known as the 'troika'.

Greece began this latest round of negotiations in September. Talks had snagged on several issues, including public sector firings and market reforms.

"These were seven very, very difficult months," said Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, adding that the text of the agreement was being written up.

Read more: Greece reaches long-delayed deal on bailout loans - Yahoo News