Angela Merkel praises Greece progress during Athens visit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has praised Greece's progress during her first visit to Athens since the eurozone crisis erupted nearly three years ago.

Thousands of people who blame Germany for forcing painful austerity measures on Greece have streamed into the capital's central squares carrying anti-Merkel banners.

Speaking after talks with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Mrs Merkel said she understood that people were "suffering daily", but insisted the "difficult path" would prove "worthwhile".