Papademos:"The letter from political party leaders is necessary"

The provision of written commitments from the leaders of the political parties supporting the government to the Eurogroup, the EU and the IMF is necessary, as noted by PM Lucas Papademos after meeting with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

“I consider the leaders’ letter to be necessary… But they will decide upon the way to confirm their commitments”, said the PM in a joint press conference with Mr. Barroso.

Mr. Papademos further stated that the party leaders who support the government have already given it a vote of confidence, adding that it is important that they respond to requests by the Eurogroup, the EU and the IMF positively.

The main priorities of the new government, he stated, are to reach an agreement on the second financing package for Greece by the end of the year and complete the project of exchanging the Greek debt (PSI).

“Our goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the Greek economy and to fight against unemployment”, Mr. Papademos also stated.

“The achievement of these goals is a challenge, but the new government that is supported by citizens will honor its commitments and succeed in its work, despite the short amount of time at their disposal. If we succeed, we will strengthen the country’s stability and we will have prepared the way for the new government”, noted the PM.

According to Mr. Papademos, the government will do everything possible to implement the objectives in order to keep Greece in the Eurozone.

The need for consensus and Greek political stability in order to attain the common goal of fiscal consolidation was expressed by EC President Jose Manuel Barroso.

“We will do whatever we can to help Greece”, he stated.

Mr. Barroso noted that greater discipline on matters of finance is needed, in combination with closer supervision of the member-states.