The Greek government has said that it will have to abandon the euro if it fails to secure new loans

Key talks between Greece and its private creditors that could could affect the country's future in the eurozone are expected to resume later on Wednesday.

The two parties are trying to agree loan write-offs of about 50% to help Greece slash its high debt levels.

The talks stalled last Friday as the two failed to reach agreement.

A deal is necessary if Greece is to receive the next tranche of the bailout cash it needs to pay its debts.

Officials from the European Commission, International Monetary Fund and European Union are also due in Athens this week to assess whether or not to release these funds.

Default risk

European leaders agreed in principle last year that private lenders would write off 50% of their loans to Greece, but private creditors still need to agree to the deal.

They are being represented in negotiations with Athens by the Institute of International Finance.

Without the bailout money, the Greek government could run out of cash and be forced to default on its debts.

The country faces a 14.4bn euro ($18.4bn, £12bn) debt repayment in March.

Some analysts believe that, if Greece did default, the country would be forced to leave the eurozone.