Washington’s welcome attention of late in the “Greek crisis saga” — which is playing out amid the wider euro area debate — continued on Monday in the wake of an agreement, in principle, that’s now up for ratification and implementation.

US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, the Obama administration’s “point man” in pushing for a deal between Athens and its Eurozone creditors, hailed the agreement as a critical step forward.

In a statement released on Monday, Lew called the new arrangement “a basis for restoring trust” between Greece and its creditors, although he emphasized that more work still needs to be done.

“These pledges will require difficult steps by all of the parties and substantial work remains to be done,” he said, adding: “The United States will remain engaged with all parties in this important period.”

“It (deal) underscores Greece’s commitment to make deep and difficult fiscal and structural reforms, and reflects a commitment by its creditors to provide financial support and help create a path for Greece to return to growth, and achieve debt sustainability,” he said.

Lew added that the U.S. will “remain engaged” with all parties as the terms are implemented.

ΙMF

Across town, the International Monetary Fund said it was ready to work with Athens and European creditors to help resolve Greece’s monstrous debt crisis, now that a conditional agreement has been reached on a new bailout.

IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said the Fund’s managing director, Christine Lagarde, briefed the global lender’s board on the outcome of weekend talks.

“The IMF stands ready to work with the Greek authorities and the European partners to help move this important effort forward,” he said in a brief statement.