Merkel's spokesman confirms discussion with Tsipras in Riga, declines comment
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert on Wednesday confirmed that a conversation had taken place between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the Chancellor in Riga "significantly before the expiration of negotiations on the second assistance programme."
He declined to comment on what was said, however, saying it was a confidential discussion.
Seibert was responding to questions about Tsipras' interview on Tuesday night, when the Greek premier said that Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble had offered 'Grexit' to his Greek counterpart Yanis Varoufakis, asking him to relay the offer to Tsipras. The Greek premier said that he then contacted Merkel, who assured him that 'Grexit' was not among her plans.
The spokesman said that he did not want to evaluate the Greek prime minister's interview, adding: "For us, the important statement is that he wants to implement the agreement and that the Greek Parliament will vote on it today."
