THE G8 LEADERS have expressed their support for Greece to stay in the eurozone during their summit hosted by US President Barack Obama at Camp David in Maryland.

In a joint statement, the leaders said they agree “on the importance of a strong and cohesive eurozone for global stability and recovery”.

“We affirm our interest in Greece remaining in the eurozone while respecting its commitments,” the statement continued.

In his blog this evening, the BBC’s North America editor Mark Mardell described the statement as “distinctly grumpy” and a very lukewarm gesture of support for Greece.

Regarding ongoing difficulties in the eurozone, the leaders said they welcome ongoing discussion on generating growth “while maintaining a firm commitment to implement fiscal consolidation to be assessed on a structural basis”.

They also issued a note on protecting intellectual property rights:

Given the importance of intellectual property rights (IPR) to stimulating job and economic growth, we affirm the significance of high standards for IPR protection and enforcement, including through international legal instruments and mutual assistance agreements, as well as through government procurement processes, private-sector voluntary codes of best practices, and enhanced customs cooperation, while promoting the free flow of information.

The leaders also said that the global economy is showing signs of recovery, but warned that “significant headwinds persist”.

In a press briefing today, Obama said that the leaders had discussed “core issues that affect our common security” and are unified on their approach to Iran.

“I think all of us are agreed that Iran has a right to peaceful nuclear power,” he said, “but that it’s continuing violations of international rules and norms and its inability thus far to convince the world community that it’s not pursuing the weaponisation of nuclear power is something of grave concern to all of us.”

(Video uploaded by AssociatedPress)