Greek PM cancels visit to the United States

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has cancelled a visit to the United States amid mounting concerns about his country's debt crisis.



One government official said Papandreou cancelled the visit to focus on fiscal measures that are crucial to securing a bailout loan for the country.



Papandreou’s office says he decided to remain in Greece because next week could prove to be a critical period in the country’s efforts to secure the loan.



Greek media said he took the decision after consultations with Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos.



Papandreou had planned to attend the United Nations General Assembly and International Monetary Fund meetings in New York.



His decision to cancel the trip comes a day after euro zone ministers delayed a decision on the Greek bailout loan of $8 billion Euros.