As Germany insists that Greece submit to harsh austerity measures leaving pensions cut, unemployment soaring and the healthcare system slashed, one area it believes needn't be cut is Greece's weapons purchases, provided in great part by and benefiting Germany.

 

The Guardian's Helena Smith reports from Athens that both Germany and France, while pushing Greece to make cuts to its healthcare program, were trying to seal lucrative arms deals with the country.

Smith writes: "Speculation is rife that international aid for the country was contingent on Greece following through on agreements to purchase military hardware from Germany and France."