While there would be some impact on borrowing rates for non-core euro zone countries, the single currency bloc is well prepared to face the Greek crisis, he said, adding: “France has nothing to fear at all, now, from these difficulties”.

Sapin reaffirmed that Greece belongs in the euro and said it would suffer most if it had to leave it.

Eurozone officials said France alone agreed to Greece’s request to discuss an extension of the bailout at yesterday’s Eurogroup before being slapped down.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is meeting amid speculation it may withdraw its support if the June 30 deadline for Greece’s debt repayments is missed.

“France is available at any moment to make sure that in the hours that come, in the days that come, before the 30th, after the 30th, we can retake the dialogue that is necessary including, and above all, with Greece”, Sapin said.

“The European Central Bank is independent, but I don’t doubt it will assume its responsibilities”, Valls said in an interview broadcast on Europe 1 radio.

Valls, while insisting he wanted Greece to stay in the eurozone, nevertheless said today that Greeks must be told the truth about what was at stake in the July 5 referendum. I don’t think they can cut off the lifeline (to the Greeks).