US backs eurozone solution to Greek bailout woes

(WASHINGTON) - The United States Friday voiced hopes Greece would remain within the eurozone, encouraging the EU and IMF to "chart a way forward" to help restore the Greek economy to growth.

As Greece and its skeptical European partners appeared to have agreed a much-needed compromise over a Greek request to extend an EU loan program, the State Department said it was supportive of the current efforts.

"We believe that needed structural reform and a plan for return to growth in Greece are best accomplished within the eurozone," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"We've encouraged Greece to work cooperatively with its European partners and the IMF to address its structural issues."

But she refused to comment on the substance of the tense negotiations between Greece and its European partners.

"We continue to support the efforts of the Greek government, the international community, to strengthen the foundation of Greece's long-term prosperity," she stressed.

The US, the world's leading economy, has "consistently favored the success of the eurozone," she added.

The eurozone's 19 finance ministers were Friday gathered in Brussels for the third time in little over a week to consider Athens' take-it or leave-it proposal.

Time is pressing to find a solution before the current bailout program ends, for fear Greece could run out of money and be forced out of the eurozone within weeks.