U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in Athens promised that the United States will stand by Greece as it tackles a difficult debt crisis in the country.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, saying (English):
"I am here to tell you that we stand with you in solidarity as you meet some very difficult requirements of the IMF and the European Union. It is a difficult time for Greece and we stand prepared to help in every way we can."
White House officials have said the United States recognizes the sacrifices being made by the Greek people as they pursue reforms, and Biden's trip is to give symbolic support to the efforts Greece is making.
Biden's visit comes as a report from the National Confederation of Greek Commerce, found that 60,000 businesses folded in the last two years, and another 60,000 may face closure.
The report found that one out of five small business say they are in danger of closing due to the crisis, while one out of three larger businesses say it is likely they will not be able to meet their financial commitments in 2012.
This as euro zone leaders gather for a crucial summit aimed at averting a crisis.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.