Greek foreign minister visits Israel amid crisis at home

Israel is welcoming the Greek foreign minister for a three-day visit as his country faces a financial crisis at home, with Greeks voting on a referendum about their country's future.

Emmanuel Nahshon, Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Sunday that the visit from Greek Foreign Minister Nikolaos Kotzias would have an "economic emphasis" but would not elaborate.

Kotzias is meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials. He will also visit the Palestinian Authority.

Kotzias' Israel trip comes as Greeks vote on whether or not to accept the tough creditor conditions attached to loans needed to avoid default and a banking collapse.

Nahshon said the visit was planned more than a month ago.

[AP]