US president says Greeks have to make 'tough political choices'

US President Barack Obama said on Monday that Greeks need to make some ?tough political choices? and embrace difficult economic reforms to win a debt deal with their country's international creditors.

Speaking at a summit of the Group of Seven industrialized democracies in Germany, Obama said: ?The Greeks are going to have to follow through and make some tough political choices that will be good for them long-term.?

At the same time, he said, international lenders should ?recognize the extraordinary challenges? that Greece faces and show flexibility to get a deal.

[Reuters]