Talks with Greece over its debt crisis should take place within the framework of its existing economic bailout programme, the EU's economic and financial affairs commissioner Pierre Moscovici said Tuesday.
"We should discuss within the context of a common framework which exists already, which is that of the existing programme," he told AFP on the sidelines of the G20 finance ministers meeting in Istanbul.
His comments echoed earlier remarks by German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble who poured cold water on suggestions a new economic programme for Greece was being negotiated.
Eurozone finance ministers meet Wednesday to discuss Greece's rescue programme, which the new anti-austerity government in Athens wants replaced with a new deal that would ease the pressure on Greeks after years of tax hikes and job cuts.
"Tomorrow will be a very important moment," said Moscovici, saying Greek Finance Minister Varoufakis would be able to present his ideas and solutions at the talks.
"What is important is that there is a calm and constructive dialogue," said Moscovici.
Source: AFP