Merkel: significant improvement in Greek aid request needed, want to keep Athens in euro

France's President Francois Hollande, right, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, stand on the front steps of the Elysee Palace, prior to a meeting, in Paris, Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Merkel is in Paris to discuss the crisis in eastern Ukraine and the economic stability of the eurozone. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – German Chancellor Angela Merkel says there needs to be a "significant improvement" in Greece's request for further aid from its creditors but is underlining her wish to keep the country in the eurozone.

Merkel said Friday Germany's aim since the debt crisis started has been to keep Greece in the euro and it will "try everything to continue on this path."

Germany dismissed as insufficient Greece's request Thursday for a six-month loan extension. Merkel said that "if we are talking about an extension of the program, we need to know what that means."

She said there needs to be "significant improvement in the substance of what is being considered."

French President Francois Hollande said Greece "must stay in the eurozone" and he knows of no scenario for a Greek exit.