Greeks protest against Grexit, as euro zone leaders hold crucial summit on debt deal

Greek citizens went back to the streets of Athens to support the country's stay in the euro zone, as leaders of the European single currency member states convened an emergency summit in Brussels on Monday evening trying to reach a deal on the Greek debt crisis and avoid default.

Under the slogan "Greece-Europe-Democracy", Greek citizens mobilized through social media met again at Syntagma Square for a second time in five days to send their message to the government: "We want to stay in Europe".

Demonstrators gathered in front of the Greek Parliament to support Greece's future in the Eurozone, chanting "Europe! Europe!", as the majority prefers a deal at any cost, rather than let the "boat of Greece fall onto the rocks".

Greek protesters, joined by members of the main opposition conservative party and the socialists, were waving peacefully Greece and EU flags, while others were blowing whistles in order to be heard by officials.

Similar gatherings were scheduled in more cities nationwide, as the latest information from deliberations in Brussels indicated that more talks will need to take place in coming days to hopefully achieve an agreement by the next weekend.

A pro-government rally against austerity backed by ruling Radical Left SYRIZA party was staged on the same square on Sunday evening.

Should the Greek government fails to strike a deal with international lenders, Greece is likely to default on an already delayed 1.5 billion euro loan installment to International Monetary Fund on June 30, leading the country to a potential Grexit. Endit