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Merkel to Paris Monday to discuss Greek crisis with Hollande

PARIS, July 6 (KUNA) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due in Paris Monday evening to hold talks with President Francois Hollande on the aftermath of the Greek referendum which on Sunday rejected a reform package to prevent financial default by that country and a possible exit from the Euro system.
Hollande's office confirmed the visit by the German leader, who has taken one of the toughest stances on the Greek crisis and the need for Athens to put in place even more severe austerity reforms than in recent years.
Greece, with a burgeoning debt of Euros 320 billion, is resisting more austerity and seeking forgiveness on part of the money it owes to the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutional and private creditors.
As the two most powerful countries in Europe, a consensus between France and Germany on what to do next is vital to avoid a split in the Eurozone nations.
A summit meeting of relevant leaders from the Euro area is scheduled for Tuesday in Brussels. (end) jk