The United States on
Wednesday warned Greece of the tough consequences of not moving
to a swift deal with its creditors.
Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew called Greek Finance Minister
Yanis Varoufakis to "note that failure to reach an agreement
would lead to immediate hardship in Greece, that the uncertainty
is not good for Europe, and that time is of the essence".
Lew "urged Greece to find a constructive path forward in
partnership with Europe and the IMF to build on the foundation
that exists to advance growth and reform," the Treasury said.
Athens appeared Wednesday to be nearing a deal with EU
officials on extending its bailout to allow time to renegotiate
the conditions of its massive debt to allow the country more
room to restore economic growth.
Varoufakis responded by saying the US call was a warning to
the EU as well.
"It was a warning to both sides," he said.
Greece's new anti-austerity government has been challenging
the EU to renegotiate its 240-billion-euro bailout but the EU
says there is "no plan B".
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