German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview on ZDF television Sunday that she is confident that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will take part in a new bailout for Greece.
"I have no doubt that what Mrs. Lagarde said will then become reality," she said.
Merkel noted that the Greek burden could be eased by extending the maturities on its debt and reducing interest rates.
The German parliament will vote on the third bailout programme on Wednesday.