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Greece ATMs could run dry on Friday
As many Greek bank ATMs run out of 10euro and 20euro bills, government leaders at a eurozone summit on Tuesday launched a desperate bid to secure fresh aid.
In Athens, Greeks waited in line for an hour to get their 60euro daily cash limit — but the shortage of 10euro and 20euro bills meant most could only take out one 50euro note.
The 50euro bills are only expected to last a few days — until Friday.
No one was willing to guess what would happen after that. Nor does anyone want to find out.
European Union officials were skeptical a bank solution is close since the Greeks failed to submit a new proposal complete with austerity plans — and finance ministers from many countries said there is no basis for reopen ing negotiations with Athens.
The ministers were also hard on new Greek Financial Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, who is seen as less abrasive than predecessor Yanis Varoufakis. Unfortu nately, Tsakalotos came to the meeting without any new proposals.
“I have the strong impression there were 18 ministers who felt the urgency of the situation and there is one who doesn’t feel the urgency of the situation,” said one participant.
While some hinted that the door was still open to a deal to save Greece from plunging into economic turmoil and possibly having to ditch the euro, many point to the fact that the Greek delegation must still bring a convincing proposal to the table.
Finance ministers said they would hold a conference call on Wednesday to review a Greek request for a mediumterm loan to take them through July.
Reflecting the irritation of many, several ministers said they were still awaiting a Greek letter with one clear set of proposals.
A Greek government official retorted: “Some are maintaining ‘we don’t have proposals’ … Is it really that ‘we don’t have proposals’ or is it that they don’t like our proposals?”