ECB’s Trichet says he will monitor, draw up new Greek budget cuts if needed

ECB’s Trichet to keep Greece in check

BRUSSELS — European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet says he will join in monitoring Greece’s budget cuts — and planning new ones if necessary.

He said, “One can count on our permanent alertness.”

“I confirm that the ECB will work with the (European) Commission in this exercise of monitoring the implementation of the Greek recommendations and will work with the Commission in working out proposals for needed additional measures,” he told reporters after meeting EU leaders in Brussels.

EU leaders meeting in Brussels offered moral support but no firm financial aid to Greece amid its debt crisis.