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2nd LD: Eurogroup rejects Greek bailout extension request

Xinhua, June 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Saturday afternoon that 18 Eurogroup financial ministers have rejected Greece's request for an extension so that it could put the creditors' proposals to a popular vote on July 5.

"The current financial assistance arrangement with Greece will expire on June 30," according to an official statement released by the Eurogroup after an emergency financial ministers' meeting in Brussels.

"I am regretful to say that the program will expire on Tuesday night," Dijsselbloem confirmed at a press conference after the meeting. "That is the latest date we could reach an agreement."

The creditors have offered joint proposals to the Greek side on Thursday "given the prolonged deadlock in negotiations and the urgency of the situation."

"Regrettably, despite efforts at all levels and full support of the Eurogroup, this proposal has been rejected by the Greek authorities who broke off the program negotiations late on the 26 June unilaterally," the statement said.

Commenting on the Greek government's response "negatively," Dijsselbloem said other members hold the opinion that "today no further negotiations or talks were possible."

Earlier the day, the Greek government announced a suggestion to put creditors' Thursday proposal to a popular vote on next Sunday, July 5. The Greek parliament's vote on the suggestion is under way in Athens.

The group decided to immediately reconvene a second meeting without the Greek Financial Minister Yanis Varoufakis, to "discuss the consequence from the political conclusion just draw."

Dijsselbloem also stressed that "the (negotiating) process was not finished."

"The euro area authorities stand ready to do whatever is necessary to ensure financial stability of the euro area," the statement said. Endit