Hopes fade for early end to Greece debt crisis as Germany digs in

German finance minister Wolfgang Schiuble blames Syriza-led coalition for impasse and 'acting irresponsibly'

The chances of an early end to Greece's standoff with its eurozone partners appeared to be fading as Germany adopted a hardline approach to easing the debt burden on Athens ahead of crisis talks in Brussels.

Wolfgang Schiuble, Germany's finance minister, said the Syriza-led coalition government headed by Alexis Tsipras was "acting irresponsibly" and that he felt sorry for the Greek people.

"I feel sorry for the Greeks at the moment. They've elected a government which is currently acting irresponsibly," Schiuble said.

"Kicking cans down roads is the EU's forte and the most likely outcome of negotiations with Greece is still that a temporary deal is reached so that talks can continue and funding be maintained for now."

"It appears unlikely that there will be even a short-term 'bridge' agreement between Greece and the euro group at today's meeting, but it is to be hoped that some further common ground can be found."