"Ball is in Athens' court" says Germany following Greek vote

"Ball is in Athens' court" says Germany following Greek vote
By Euronews with REUTERS
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As supporters of the “No” vote gathered in central Athens in celebration, reaction came in from Greece’s eurozone partners, in particular Germany

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As supporters of the “No” vote gathered in central Athens in celebration, reaction came in from Greece’s eurozone partners, in particular Germany .

While one senior conservative said Greece’s Prime Minister had caused a “disaster”, the country’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier,was more resigned::

“We have to accept such a result of a referendum in which the Greek people participated in a large number. Decisions now have to be taken in Greece and the ball is in Athens’ court.”

European Parliament President Martin Schultz explained the repercussions as he saw them.

“Because I believe that the Greek people will be during the week in even a more difficult situation I think we should tomorrow at the latest on Tuesday in the eurozone summit discuss about a humanitarian aid programme for Greece. Ordinary citizens, pensioners, sick people or children in the kindergarden should not pay a price for the dramatic situation in which the country and the government brought the country. No!”

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni reacted by saying: “Now it is right to start trying for an agreement again. But there is no escape from the Greek labyrinth with a Europe that’s weak and isn’t growing.”

While Belgium’s finance minister said the door remains open to restart talks with Greece “literally, within hours”.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel who had said no further negotiations could take place until after the referendum is now scheduled to meet French president Francois Hollande in Paris today to discuss the situation.

Germany has maintained a tough stance in weeks of negotiations with Greece to reach a deal for another Athens bailout after the previous programme ended last week. Its position being partly explained by it being Greece’s leading creditor.

Which institutions own Greece's debt | Create infographics

Eurozone members most exposed to Greece’s debt | Create infographics

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