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Hollande reiterates calls to respect EU rules in new Greek bailout deal

Xinhua, February 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

Any new agreement between Greece, its European partners and international lenders over Athens' debt, has to respect the rules of the currency bloc while boosting growth, French President Francois Hollande said Thursday.

"France's role is to find a solution, to contribute to a deal respectfully, with respect for the Greeks' vote, but also with respect for European rules and commitments," he told reporters.

"France can ensure solidarity with Greece. We must seek together a solution, work together to decide together," he said.

Stressing austerity policies were not the springboard to healthy finances, Hollande urged partners to rapidly seek an agreement which "helps Greek to make reforms, pay their debt and enjoy solidarity."

Hollande said the European Central Bank's decision to cancel its acceptance of Greek bonds in return for funding was a legitimate move that "pushes Greek and Europeans to join the same table of negotiation."

"It also tells the Greek government that it must announce a framework for reforms," he said. Endit