Samaras: We are asking for an extension to 2016

Antonis Samaras directly raises the question of extension on the adjustment program, even setting 2016 as its limit, saying our lenders understand the efforts of the government and the Greek people, and will be able to adhere to the implementation of new painful measures of the new package, not in two years (until 2014) but in the next four.

In an interview in the Washington Post the PM was clear. "We're talking about an extension up to 2016, while there were very serious mistakes by previous governments. If there is no light at the end of the tunnel then yes, I'm very worried."

He appeared confident about the adoption of measures by the parliament. "We all realize that the number one requirement for our future is for Greece to remain in the Eurozone. Our determination is a given."

"We need to ensure our stay in the Eurozone. Many leaders abroad are now realizing that this is the best solution, not only for Greece but for Europe as well. The consequences as to what could happen in Europe if Greece were to leave are unknown."

It is worth mentioning that the interview took place on Wednesday, before the informal Eurogroup meeting.

The newspaper says that Antonis Samaras became prime minister just three months ago and has already become a veteran on two fronts. It talks about his efforts to keep the country in the Eurozone by agreeing to significant cuts while facing the prospect of social unrest.

Samaras referred to the meeting with ECB president Mario Draghi, saying they discussied the need for liquidity and that it is a prerequisite for Greece to start the long-awaited recovery.

"Without liquidity, you cannot give money to businesses through banks and you cannot allow the system to breathe."

After a reference by the journalist to the fact that the Troika requires the Greek government to proceed to about 11 billion euros in spending cuts and additional tax revenues, Samaras said that "our determination is a given. Everything has to do with making the government smaller and the whole system more efficient."

"We need to make sure we keep to what we have signed, because we believe that what they call a "Grexit" would be a disaster."

"If we get the next tranche, hopefully in October, we will recapitalize our banks," the prime minister said, giving the overall picture of utilizing the tranche and saying that there should be development and avoidance at all costs of the continued recession.