Europe

Greek leader wants action on easing debt load

Associated Press
Published | Updated

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, answers a question during a a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in Athens, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) (The Associated Press)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, left, speaks next to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras during a joint news conference and after their meeting in Athens, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) (The Associated Press)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, left, speaks next to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras during a join news conference and after their meeting in Athens, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) (The Associated Press)

Greece's prime minister is calling for bailout lenders to swiftly fulfill promises to ease the country's heavy debt load.

Alexis Tsipras says that as well addressing the problem in the short term, the medium and long-term management of the debt should also be tackled.

Tsipras spoke following talks in Athens on Tuesday with European Union Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Greece has depended on rescue loans since 2010, when it was locked out of bond markets.

Under its latest bailout, which is contingent on further spending cuts and economic reforms, talks are set to start on reducing the Greek debt burden — although an outright cut in the amount owed has been ruled out.

Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said he hopes the debt talks can be concluded this year.