Greeks rally to support gov't before Eurogroup meeting

People wave Greek flags in front of the parliament during an anti-austerity and pro-government demonstration in Athens February 15, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

ATHENS - Thousands of people gathered on Sunday in Athens and other major cities in Greece to show their support to the Greek government ahead of Monday's Eurogroup meeting on the Greek debt crisis.

"We say no to austerity, we raise our voices, we choose dignity, " protesters chanted in front of the Greek parliament prior to the Greek delegation's negotiations with its European partners, which is scheduled to be held in Brussels.

The newly elected Left-led government rejects the bailout, austerity and the idea of formally requesting an extension of the bailout program for a few months until Athens reaches a final deal on the resolution of the Greek debt problem, according to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' pre-election pledges.

International lenders on the other hand added pressure on the new government by requiring it stick to the austerity and reform path in exchange of further aid.

The impasse of the past few weeks has revived fears for a potential Greek default and its exit from the euro zone.