Alexis Tsipras claims Greece is close to securing deal with Brussels and the IMF

The Greek prime minister seeks to avert a run on the country's banks by promising business leaders a compromise with creditors is near

The Greek prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, has sought to prevent a full-blown run on the debt-stricken country's banks by promising that he is close to reaching a deal with creditors.

Speaking to a group of business leaders, he said the government is ready to compromise with Brussels and the International Monetary Fund as long as a deal will stabilise the situation and allow the country to raise money on the financial markets again.

There would be blood in the streets - Greeks are not like Cypriots

Related: Eurozone crisis: EU's siege mentality looks likely to squeeze Greece