'Paris Talks': François Holland And Newly Elected Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras Discuss Debt Relief

French President Francois Hollande and newly elected Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met in Elysee Palace in their first meeting dubbed the "Paris Talks." PM Tsipras discussed measures to alleviate Greek debt with its Eurozone partners.

Tsipras, who won the recent elections in Greece is campaigning for debt relief in Europe. However, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel's tough stance that the Eurozone cannot roll back its implemented austerity measures is expected to have an impact on how Greece's ministers will negotiate debt relief. Germany is Greece's biggest creditor and is insistent that Greece meet its financial obligations as a member of the Eurozone.

Greece has requested the European Central Bank to maintain credit for its banks during negotiations.

"Athens could count on central bank support during the short period it would take to conclude talks with international lenders," Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said after meeting ECB President Mario Draghi in Frankfurt.

During his visit to France, President Francois Hollande requested a "transparent and serene dialogue" about the debt crisis in Greece. Hollande also said that such a dialogue should culminate to an agreement.

"The French head of state also stressed that Europe should work more to further cement solidarity via pro-growth measures which could help the bloc to boost economic activities and tackle unemployment." Xinhua News Agency reported.

In a joint statement with PM Tsipras, Hollande reiterated "Austerity as the only perspective and reality wasn't tolerable anymore."

"There is respect for European rules, which are imposed on everyone, to France as well, and it's not always simple. And then there is respect for commitments that have been made," he said while speaking to reporters at the Elysee Palace.