Angela Merkel expects no decisions on Greek bailout at talks with Alexis Tsipras

Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she did not expect to take any decisions on Greece`s bailout programme during talks in Berlin on Friday with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Greece snubbed its international lenders and legislated plans on Thursday to give pensioners a one-off Christmas bonus despite misgivings from creditors in a standoff over the country`s third bailout.

"We will definitely discuss the programme related to Greece`s economic and financial situation," Merkel, standing next to Tsipras, told reporters before their talks.

"However, I would say this is not the place for decisions to be taken. That is in good hands with the three institutions and the Eurogroup, but the Greek prime minister`s assessment of the situation will certainly play a role in our discussions," she added.