Germany says Greece is "special case", goal is strong euro zone

German Chancellor Angela Merkel leaves the EU Council headquarters after a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium, June 26, 2015. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman described Greece on Monday as a "special case" and said the German government's top priority was to ensure the strength of the euro zone. The spokesman, Steffen Seibert, also played down the prospects of a breakthrough in the Greece crisis before the country's second bailout programme expires on Tuesday, saying he did not expect a "dramatic turn" before then. (Reporting by Noah Barkin)