Foreign Ministry seeks ways to help Greeks abroad

Greece's Foreign Ministry says it's assessing how to assist Greeks abroad — such as tourists, students or pensioners — who are affected by the money controls.

The government has limited daily cash withdrawals to 60 euros. All credit or debit card payments abroad have been blocked, and any money transfers abroad need prior approval by a new committee.

The ministry says it has found a solution for Greek tourists abroad who awoke Monday to find their credit and debit cards no longer worked, and that a limit on those transactions would be determined later. It did not give further details, but said Greek consular authorities had been asked to be on alert to help Greek citizens.

The ministry says Greek students or patients hospitalized abroad would have to submit requests for approval of money transfers to the committee. A special provision is being worked on for Greek pensioners who live abroad to be able to access their pensions.

[AP]