"I don't want to raise expectations," he said. "But I must say that we have arrived at a decisive point ... the euro countries have arrived a point where we must make extremely clear with all available means that we are determined to ensure the financial stability of the currency union."
Merkel's finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, earlier dismissed talk that Spain might make an application to the EFSF to buy its bonds. He told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that "there is nothing to this speculation."
The latest assurances come as concern flares again about Greece. International debt inspectors are scrutinizing Greece's finances and its progress in implementing unpopular budget cuts and reforms demanded in exchange for the rescue loan program that is keeping the country afloat.
Greek officials have called for more time to implement the measures, but patience among creditors is running short. If the inspectors' report, expected in September, is damning, Athens could stop receiving loans and face bankruptcy and an exit from the 17-nation euro.
"The aid program is already very accommodating. I cannot see that there is still scope for further concessions," Schaeuble said.

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