15 Sep 2011

European leaders back Greece after debt crisis talks

10:08 am on 15 September 2011

The Greek government has confirmed its determination to stick to harsh austerity measures it agreed to in exchange for two bailouts from the European Union.

A statement issued after a conference call between the Greek, French and German leaders also says that, despite recent rumours, Greece will remain in the euro zone.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's office said he and German Angela Merkel are convinced that the future of Greece is in the eurozone.

"The Greek prime minister confirmed his absolute determination to put in place all the necessary measures to carry out all of the commitments made," the statement on Wednesday added.

The teleconference was held with markets in turmoil on rising fears of the insolvency of Greece or even an exit from the euro zone, stemming from its ongoing troubles to apply an EU-IMF recovery plan.

Commission head to propose eurobonds

The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, has warned of dire consequences if the debt problem is not resolved.

Mr Barroso is drawing up plans for the introduction of euro-area bonds - a first step towards fiscal union.

He says he will urge the 17 eurozone nations to issue joint bonds, allowing them to borrow money collectively.

Germany has repeatedly expressed opposition to the idea.

European Union leaders have faced criticism from China and the US for an apparent inability to stop debt contagion spreading.