The prospect of a solution to the Greek debt crisis gave markets a lift.<br/> <br />But a resolution depends on the implementation of tough austerity measures.<br/> <br />And the mood on the streets of Athens was less hopeful.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) HOUSEWIFE PANAGIOTA PETRAKI, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I don't see light on the horizon. Unfortunately no matter how many loans we receive, if we don't stand on our own two feet we will never see a recovery in Greece."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) RETIRED TEACHER, MICHALIS VIKENDIOS, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Even if they cut all pensions, all benefits for the unemployed, and disabled people, the problem will not be solved. It's a dead end. No matter how much money we get if commerce doesn't start working, if they don't write down debt we will never exit the crisis."<br/> <br />Economists say it could take more than a decade to resolve Greece's problems.<br/> <br />Demonstrations against austerity measures are becoming a common scene in Athens.<br/> <br />Thousands took to the streets over the weekend, frustrated with the endless reforms.<br/> <br />But the mood across the rest of the euro zone was brighter as the prospect of a Greek default in March faded.<br/> <br />And even some Greek analysts believe the country can get back on track.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Greek) FINANCIAL ANALYST NIKOS CHRISTODOULOU SAYING:<br/> <br />"There is not a lot of trust that we'll reach our targets this year, such as the deficit target which was originally around 5.4 percent. But I believe that with significant efforts we can approach this target, and if all goes well with privatization, there can be a limit to the debt."<br/> <br />The final cuts were still being discussed as ministers arrived to approve the new bailout.<br/> <br />But - despite the pessimism in Athens - it's hoped an EU/IMF loan of 130 billion euros will help restructure Greece's vast debts and put it on a more stable financial footing.<br/> <br />Ciara Sutton, Reuters
