"The aim of the new government and Europe is a common European and mutually beneficial solution on matters of internal interest", stressed Alexis Tsipras after his meeting today with President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz in the government residence Maximou.
The Greek Prime Minister said that he has informed Schultz of "the government's plan for sweeping reforms in the state and public administration, through which the government will fight the internal causes of the crisis", as well as for reconstruction of production and for national development.
As stressed by Alexis Tsipras, this goal "will be achieved without persistence in mistakes and austerity, but also without unreasonably creating new deficits."
The Greek Prime Minister called Martin Schulz a "very good friend of Greece", adding that his visit to Athens revealed that the primary value in Europe is the adoption of popular sovereignty. At the same time, Tsipras spoke about new relations of trust between "Greece after the memoranda and the institutions of the European Union."
According to sources, the Greek side had raised three issues during the meeting as follows: firstly, tackling major social issues and managing the humanitarian crisis; secondly, ensuring the viability of the Greek debt, and thirdly, the mutual promotion of policies for development and employment in Europe. The issue of the crisis in Ukraine was discussed as well.
"I must say that it is an honour for me to be your first official guest to visit the newly elected Prime Minister. This is not my first visit to Greece. I have come here before but it is quite clear that, after last Sunday, there are new developments in your country. I discussed many issues with Mr. Tsipras and I would like to say that I have rarely talked so sincerely to someone during my entire term. You know, there are some diplomatic expressions that are used when it comes to disagreements," Martin Schulz began his statement, adding,
"The conversation with Mr. Tsipras was frank and constructive. We agreed on many issues, but a few others will require more discussions. In European policy it is very important that we talk to each other and share our views."
Asked what he expects from the new government, the President of the European Parliament responded as follows:
"I am very pleased, Mr. Tsipras, that you are determined to fight tax evasion. There is much talk about what Mr. Tsipras will do but what we have discussed is to stop social injustice related to taxes. Europe will be satisfied when you present your priorities. The issues related to the financing of Greece cannot be considered unilaterally but in talks with the partners. As you know, there is some talk that Tsipras’ cabinet will follow its own path, but it will not. Today's message is quite clear. It is a very good step forward, and I think that more steps forward will follow tomorrow, during the meeting with Jeroen Dijsselbloem."
Finally, as regards the issue of the Ukrainian crisis, Martin Schulz said,
"On the issue of Ukraine the Greek government is ready to proceed to a dialogue with its partners. I hope that your wonderful country will remain on the European track, as it has always been."
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
