WASHINGTON, June 8: US President Barack Obama called on Friday for urgent, decisive action by Europe's leaders to beat back the economic crisis, as he urged Greeks ahead of elections to stay in the eurozone.

Speaking as European officials worked on a huge rescue plan for Spain's feeble banks, Obama said he was confident EU leaders appreciated the severity of a crisis that weighs heavily on his prospects of reelection in November.

“The leaders understand the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need to act,” Obama told a press conference in Washington. “The decisions required are tough but Europe has the capacity to make them.”

“And the sooner that they act and the more decisive and concrete their actions, the sooner people and markets will regain some confidence and the cheaper the costs of clean-up will be down the road.”

Just nine days before Greeks go to the polls for the second time in six week to vote on a new government, Obama urged them to take a path that will keep them inside the eurozone.

“It's in everybody's interest for Greece to remain in the eurozone while respecting its commitments to reform,” he said.

“We recognise the sacrifices that the Greek people have made, and European leaders understand the need to provide support if the Greek people choose to remain in the eurozone.

“But the Greek people also need to recognise that their hardships will likely be worse if they choose to exit from the eurozone.” Greece's voters remain deeply split.

The leftist Syriza Party wants to tear up the EU-International Monetary Fund rescue plan, which could lead to a euro exit, but the more moderate New Democracy Party, is more committed to an austerity plan and the common currency. Obama, who has had frequent contacts with European counterparts in recent weeks, said the steps needed to prevent further erosion of the situation were already known — including quick action to stabilise Europe's banks.

“In the short term they have got to stabilise their financial system,” he said.—AFP