LOC12:17
09:17 GMT
PARIS, July 18 (KUNA) -- France is optimistic that European leaders can
agree the composition of a second bailout package for the ailing Greek economy
on Thursday at a summit meeting of the 16 "Eurogroup" leaders.
Greece, which is close to default on its debt repayments, is believed to
need at least Euros 100 billion (USD 155 billion) in fresh financing only
months after receiving a similar package from European lenders.
French Budget Minister and Government Spokesperson Valerie Pecresse played
down here differences between key European powers France and Germany over the
package.
Germany wants a large role for private lenders in the new Greek package,
while France prefers public sources for loans.
Speaking on "LCI" television, Pecresse said "France is in favour of private
sector participation," but is anxious this should not create instability in
markets.
"Since the beginning, France has been at the forefront of getting stability
in the Eurozone and saving Greece," she said.
She indicated that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has demonstrated that
she wants "something concrete" from Thursday's summit and France "wants to
wrap up the second bail out" at the meeting.
Pecresse expressed confidence that a solution to the Greek problem would be
found, given Europe's ability to solve its earlier problems with Greece,
Ireland and Portugal. The Budget Minister also spoke in favour of regulating
financial rating agencies, which have been accused of being overly-pessimistic
on the Greek and other situations.
Pecresse urged "new rules" for rating agencies "which accentuate the
perceptions of risks."
The European currency has been battered by the fall-out from the Greek
crisis and last week fell below the USD 1.40 level for the first time in
several months, before recovering slightly. (end)
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