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ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece has raised €2.6 billion ($3.4 billion) in the auction of one- and six-month Treasury bills, at slightly lower interest rates compared with similar sales last month.

The Public Debt Management Agency said Tuesday the four-week bills raised €983.2 million at an interest rate of 3.95 percent, slightly lower than the 3.99 percent last month. The 26-week bills raised €1.625 billion at a rate of 4.30 percent compared with December's 4.38 percent.

Gripped by a severe financial crisis since late 2009, Greece has been unable to borrowing longer-term money on the international bond market due to extremely high interest rates demanded by wary investors. It has relied on international rescue loans to avoid bankruptcy since May 2010, and raises small amounts through the regular treasury bill sales.