BEIJING, Oct. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has held talks with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in Athens. It was her first visit to since the crisis began there three years ago.

Merkel says Greece has covered "much of the ground" required for recovery, but the government in Athens still has to push through key cost-cutting reforms. Her visit is seen by the Greek government as a much-needed boost for the country’s future to stay (in the eurozone.)

But tens of thousands of demonstrators voiced their displeasure with the German leader. Many Greeks blame Merkel for forcing painful cuts on Greece in exchange for two EU-IMF bailout packages topping 200 billion euros. 6,000 police officers were deployed during Merkel’s 6-hour visit. Dozens of protesters were detained.

(Source: CNTV.cn)