Turning now to Europe.
There are serious concerns over Greece′s 2-hundred-70 billion U.S. dollar bailout package,.. after high-stakes negotiations between Athens and its European creditors collapsed into disarray.
With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News Center.
Paul, each side has played their hand.
Where do we stand now right now?
Well,… Greece is sticking to its guns.
It says it no longer wants to be burdened by crippling austerity measures.
Greece’s eurozone creditors say they will not budge from the conditions that were agreed when the deal was done.
The so-called “eurogroup” says Athens must accept an extension on the current deal or it could gobankrupt at the end the month.
The Greek finance minister, however, remains confident that a compromise can be reached within the next 48 hours.
Our Song Ji-sun has more.
Talks between Greece and eurozone finance ministers over Athens′ debt crisis broke down on Monday,... after Greece rejected a proposal for a six-month extension of its international bailout package,... calling it ′unacceptable.′
Eurozone ministers handed Greece an ultimatum on Monday to request an extension to its debt bailout program... with the conditions unchanged.
"Within that programme a lot of changes are possible, there is flexibility but the main features of the programme, keeping the budget on track, reforming the economy have to be maintained. But the first step will be an extension and the next step is let′s talk about the content of the program but not the other way around."
The eurogroup added the talks will not resume unless Athens submits an extension request by Friday.
Greece is seeking to overhaul the terms of the 270-billion U.S. dollar bailout package that comes attached with strong austerity measures.
"... Let′s find common ground between the two.
That′s what we have been saying from the beginning.
It is not a bluff because it is the only option we have. It is Plan A there is no Plan B."
Greece reaffirmed that it intends to stay within the eurozone... and that it′s optimistic the two sides can reach an agreement before the package expires.
The program ends on the last day of February.
If it does,... Greece′s coffers will likely run dry.
Song Ji-sun, Arirang News.

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