Greek media say Greece to ask for aid

Greek media reported on Friday the government would request the activation of an EU/IMF aid package at 5 a.m. ET but officials would not confirm the reports as that deadline passed.

The die has been cast, Greece is turning to the EU/IMF aid mechanism today, the relevant announcement will be made at 1200 local, Greek daily To Vima's website www.tovima.gr wrote, without citing sources. Other media repeated the news.

Greek officials would not comment on the record. Sources close to the government said an announcement was expected sometime on Friday.

Greece is negotiating a 40-45 billion euro aid package with European Union and International Monetary Fund officials aimed at pulling Greece out of a debt crisis shaking the euro.

(Writing by Dina Kyriakidou, editing by Mike Peacock)