EU aims to keep Greece 'firmly' in eurozone

Brussels

THE European Union said on Monday that its sole aim for Greece is to keep the twice bailed-out country firmly in the eurozone, as Athens battles hostile financial markets spooked by the possibility of early elections.

"The only option that the (European) Commission is working for is to keep Greece firmly in the eurozone," a spokeswoman said, amid widespread speculation that market turmoil could force cash-strapped Athens out of the single currency bloc.

With all eyes on Greece as the global economy runs into fresh trouble, EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici began a visit on Monday to review progress on the tough austerity measures that Athens agreed to in r…