BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel is making clear she expects Greece to continue complying with its obligations to creditors after upcoming elections, and says she doesn't see any possibility of reducing interest rates on its bailout loans.

Merkel said Monday, however, that while interest rates are already very low there is "a certain room for maneuver" on when Greece must pay back debts and the level of those payments. She says she's "relatively optimistic" of finding a solution that satisfies the International Monetary Fund's demand for debt relief.

Greece is holding elections Sept. 20 after Alexis Tsipras stepped down as prime minister, seeking a stronger mandate to implement austerity measures creditors demanded in return for a new bailout.

Merkel said in Berlin: "I assume that Greece will comply with its commitments."