The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has appeared to rule out seeking aid from Russia, saying he will continue negotiations for a debt agreement with Europe.<br /><br /> The left-wing government is on a diplomatic drive of European capitals, as it seeks to replace Greece’s bailout with the EU, the European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund.<br /><br /> Tsipras was speaking during a visit to Cyprus – his first foreign trip as prime minister, in line with tradition.<br /><br /> Asked whether he would seek aid from Russia, Tsipras told a news conference that a deal with Europe was all that was being considered.<br /><br /> But he added that he wanted the troika inspection process replaced by direct negotiations with creditors.<br /><br /> “This mature and necessary development, if it is confirmed, will be a very good start, a significant, institutional, positive step not only for Greece and Cyprus but also for all of Europe,” Alexis Tsipras said.<br /><br /> Despite vowing to ditch austerity conditions, the new Greek government is ta
