German chancellor open to talks with Greece after referendum

German Chancellor Angela Merkel played down prospects of a breakthrough with Greece in the coming days, but said she stood ready to restart talks with the government in Athens after a planned referendum on Sunday.

peaking on Monday after a meeting of German party and parliamentary leaders in the Chancellery, Merkel also criticized the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras for failing to compromise with its eurozone partners after receiving what she called a “generous” offer.

Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, standing alongside Merkel, said if Greeks voted against the bailout offer on Sunday, it would be a clear vote against staying in the euro.

[Reuters]