Schaeuble praises Italy's reform path, Greek bailout approved

(ANSA) - Berlin, February 27 - Wolfgang Schaeuble, German finance minister, on Friday praised Italy for the work it has done on reforms to improve the economy in the long-term.
    "Italy is on the way, making positive and fair decisions," Schaeuble told the Bundestag during debate on whether to approve an extension of a bailout program for Greece.
    He urged the German parliament to approve the four-month extension that has been balanced by pledges from Athens to make reforms to its own economy.
    Schaeuble, who has been vocal in his doubts about continuing aid to Greece, told the Bundestag that no new financial aid was being offered but instead an existing program was being extended.