PARIS (AP) — French President Nicolas Sarkozy says the hard-fought European bailout plan for Greece is the "only way possible" to resolve that nation's debt crisis.
He said the Greek prime minister’s announcement that he would put the plan to a referendum "surprised all of Europe."
Sarkozy said he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, after speaking by phone Tuesday, agreed to convene leading European institutions to "examine the conditions" under which the rescue plan can now be carried out.
Sarkozy spoke to reporters after holding an emergency government meeting to discuss the Greek move.
Sarkozy, who has championed efforts to help Greece, hosts leaders of the Group of 20 top world economies this week at a summit expected to focus on Europe’s debt mess.
