Merkel says will recommend Greek deal to parliament if laws passed

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday she would recommend "with full conviction" to parliament to authorise the opening of negotiations with Greece on a third bailout once the Greek parliament approves the whole programme and enacts initial laws.

Merkel would not say when that would happen but said she would give a positive report to a parliamentary committee this week. It was better not to recall lawmakers from the summer recess until they were sure the Greek laws had been passed, she said.