The euro zone bailout package for Greece was the "only way" to save the country, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Tuesday, urging Athens to make its own effort to exit the debt crisis.

In a statement issued by the Elysee Palace, Sarkozy called Greek decision to hold a referendum on the euro zone aiding plan a "surprise for all Europe," adding that the plan unanimously adopted by all 17 members of the euro area last Thursday was "the only way to solve the problem of Greek debt."

"Giving voice to the people is always legitimate, but the solidarity of all euro area countries can not be exercised unless each consents to its necessary effort," the French president said in his second statement referring to Greek referendum decision in one day.

Hours earlier, the Elysee Palace issued a statement announcing that Sarkozy will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and officials from the EU and the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday afternoon over the sudden step taken by Greece.

French and German leaders will also meet with Greece Prime Minister George Papandreou to discuss the new situation and previous commitments on the eve of G20 summit in Cannes, slated for Thursday and Friday this week.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2011)