Brussels

"Building strong opposition challenge in reforms"

BRUSSELS -- Building a strong opposition is one of the main challenges in reforming Serbia , Social Democratic Party (SDS) party leader Boris Tadic said on Friday.

The reason for this is "major asymmetry between the government and the opposition that constitutes a threat to political stability."

By Paul Tugwell and Nikos Chrysoloras

Germany and its allies are ready to let Greece leave the euro unless Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras accepts the conditions required to extend his country?s financial support, according to Malta?s finance minister, Edward Scicluna.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told Reuters on Friday he is "certain" his government's request for a six-month loan extension would be accepted despite Berlin's objections and called for a "historic political decision" to seal a deal.

BELGRADE - Building a strong opposition is one of the main challenges in reforming Serbia because the major asymmetry between the government and the opposition constitutes a threat to political stability, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDS) Boris Tadic stated in Brussels on Friday.

By Jan Strupczewski and George Georgiopoulos

European Union paymaster Germany softened its tone on Friday as euro zone finance ministers raced to break a deadlock over Athens' debts.

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras made a statement to Reuters shortly before the critical Eurogroup meeting in Brussels on Friday.

BELGRADE - Serbia has achieved exceptional progress on its EU path over the past few months, European Parliament (EP) Rapporteur on Serbia David McAllister stated and underscored that he believes in Serbia's European future.

Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis' proposal for a six-month extension of its bailout facility was rejected by Germany that won't budge from its position concerning austerity regardless of the humanitarian problems caused to Greece.

By Yiannis Papadoyiannis

Greek bankers on Thursday stressed the need for an agreement to be reached between the government and Greece?s eurozone peers that will confirm the country?s European prospects, as the outpour of deposits continued unabated.

According to diplomatic sources there are signs of progress, as Seven hour long Euroworking Group meeting concludes.

Earlier on Thursday evening, according to sources the German delegation at the EuroWorking group has backed off its previously unbending position vis-à-vis a same-day Greek request for a loan agreement extension.