International credit rating firm Moody's on Tuesday continued its negative assessments on the Greek economy by lowering the credit ratings of nine Greek commercial banks, just a day after downgrading the credit rating of Greece. Citing 'doubts on Athens' capability to support the Greek banking system' as the country faces an acute debt and economic crisis this year, Moody's analysts once again downgraded the banks. The announcement was made while the Greek government sets up a special fund to guarantee the stability of the sector with the financial support of the European Union. The Greek government, as well as European Union officials, such as the head of Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker and European Commissioner Olli Rehn, had already reacted strongly to Moody's Monday announcement. They talked of a surprising and unjustified step that does not reflect the latest positive developments regarding the Greek economy. Athens also referred to ulterior motives behind the decision to downgrade Greece's credit rating from A3 to Ba1, stating that the Greek economy and the euro are still under attack by speculators. The banks affected include the National Bank of Greece which was downgraded from Baa2/Prime 2 to Ba1/Not Prime, and Emporiki and General Bank of Greece which were downgraded from Baa2/Prime 2 to Baa3/Prime 3. 