WASHINGTON, Dec 31 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Monday said it appeared a deal on the 'fiscal cliff' was within sight but it was not complete yet.

'Today it appears that an agreement to prevent this New Year's tax hike is within sight, but it is not done,' Obama said at the White House. 'There are still issues left to resolve, but we're hopeful that Congress can get it done, but it's not done.'

(Reporting by White House team; Editing by Will Dunham) Keywords: USA FISCAL/OBAMA

(toby.zakaria@thomsonreuters.com)(+1-202-898-8300 @tobyzakaria)(Reuters Messaging: toby.zakaria.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)

COPYRIGHT

Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. All rights reserved.

The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.