No Basis for New Greece Aid Program

(PNA/Xinhua) — A spokesman of the German government said Monday that the conditions for entering into negotiations for a new bailout program for Greece were currently not in place following Greek voters’ rejection of the latest bailout offer from creditors.

Speaking at a government press conference in Berlin, Steffen Seibert said the German government respected the vote of the Greek people on Sunday, but noted that the result of the referendum was a rejection of the principle of European aid.

The Greek people on Sunday gave an overwhelming “No” response in the referendum on a rescue package from creditors, dramatically increasing the chance the country could leave the Eurozone.

Despite the debt crisis, said Seibert, the German government was still focused on keeping Greece inside the single currency, but insisted it was now up to the Greek government to act in a way that helps the situation remain so.

“The door remains open for talks,” the spokesman further said, adding that Germany was willing to provide support to the Greek people if needed. (PNA/Xinhua) JBP/EBP