Athens, 8 March 2010

Mr. Aftias: I have been informed that Dimitris Droutsas, who is in the United States at the moment, is on the line with us. Mr. Droutsas, you’ve had a long journey, what have you been carrying in your luggage? Today, matters regarding our country had a different feel, following the Sarkozy statements and Prime Minister George Papandreou’s firm stance.

Mr. Droutsas: Mr. Aftias, I would like to start with this clear message to our fellow citizens, that the efforts, the sacrifices that they must make, will be worth while. This has to be our clear message.

Mr. Aftias: It is indicative that the Prime Minister draws his strength from the Greek people who, according to the latest polls, want to get out of this financial tight corner at whatever cost. You are meeting with Ms. Clinton and leading US officials,  is that right?

Mr. Droutsas: Yes. But before I go into our schedule here in Washington D.C., I would simply like to stress the following: today, we are laying the foundations for a future Greece, the country we want to build all together; a country of good standing and reliability on the international level, a country of good standing and reliability to every Greek citizen; a country that respects its citizens and their efforts, a country that can meet the needs of a modern society. This is our objective.

Mr. Aftias: Mr. Droutsas, it is now 02:00 in the United States and the time you have is very limited; you have had a first-hand experience of George Papandreou’s struggle in his meetings with Ms. Merkel and Mr. Sarkozy. Going to the United States, are you certain that Greece will not have to call in the IMF and that Europe has rather opened its eyes and now supports our country, which, for its part, has taken the necessary measures?

Mr. Droutsas: Europe has definitely sent a clear message that it now stands by Greece’s side. But I want to say that the IMF always remains an option theoretically, but that we – Greece – are a member of the European Union, a member of the eurozone, and we want to overcome this crisis being part of Europe. And also allow me to say that the Prime Minister has conducted a very systematic effort.

His visit to Berlin has ensured support for initiatives in the fight against unlawful speculation on the markets. This is one major enemy in Greece’s fight for economic recovery.

In Paris, Nicolas Sarkozy sent a clear message that Greece is not alone. And that, if needed, the European Union, the members of the eurozone, will stand by Greece to support us in our efforts. Because the most important thing to us, our objective is solidarity on the part of the European Union in order for Greece to be able to borrow on the markets – as many other countries that are also obliged to borrow – on lower interest rates; in order for the Greek people’s efforts not to go to waste.

Mr. Aftias: Mr. Droutsas, Mr. Papandreou will meet with President Obama tomorrow.

Mr. Droutsas: Yes of course, the Prime Minister’s meeting with President Barack Obama is scheduled to take place tomorrow and I will briefly tell you what’s on the agenda.

A discussion will be held on developments relating to the Greek economy, a matter of interest to the entire international community. This meeting is also a good opportunity to talk about matters of particular Greek interest, developments on the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations, and the name issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Prime Minister will once again present Greece’s clear positions on these issues.

But allow me to point out, Mr. Aftias, that these are not the only issues to be discussed at the meeting. There will also be a discussion on international developments and the message will be sent that Greece has an international voice and presence and that it can play a role again in global developments. This is our message:

Mr. Aftias: What you are saying is very important. Mr. Droutsas, we are following the Prime Minister’s fight abroad, to convince Ms. Merkel, to convince Mr. Sarkozy, to convince Mr. Obama, to ensure their support. Back here, he seems to be having problems, which he is however in a position to resolve with a simple phone-call. And it is a shame for him to be having this fight abroad, but be faced with domestic problems. You understand what I am talking about, the statements that were made.

Mr. Droutsas: Mr. Aftias, allow me not to go into this discussion.

Mr. Aftias: I understand.

Mr. Droutsas: Particularly given that I am currently abroad. Greece, the entire Greek people, are conducting a big struggle, they are making sacrifices to get us out of this critical situation, which we’ve inherited from the past; this is the truth. We are concentrating all our forces on this struggle.

Through these sacrifices, the Greek people are laying the foundations for the Greece of tomorrow: a country of good standing and reliability on the international level, a country of good standing and reliability to every Greek citizen.

Mr. Aftias: Mr. Droutsas, the Prime Minister carries with him to the United States two important assurances by Ms. Merkel and Mr. Sarkozy that Greece will be given support. Did this bolster Mr. Papandreou's negotiating position vis-a-vis President Obama?

Mr. Droutsas: Look, it is definitely positive that Greece, the Greek government and the Greek Prime Minister know that they have the full support of their partners in order to address this financial crisis.

But I would like to take this opportunity to stress that our relations with all other countries, including the United States of America, are based on an equal footing. We are equal partners and allies and, as I said, Greece can once again play an important role in international developments, particularly in our immediate neighbourhood, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

Mr. Aftias: What you have been saying to our audience is very important, you are now waging a major battle in the United States. We saw Mr. Sarkozy’s smiles, Ms. Merkel’s restrained optimism, so Mr. Papandreou’s statements have been effective: I did not come to beg for money from the European Union, I did not come to ask for money, I took measures for my own country, I simply want speculators to stop playing this game at my country's expense. Mr. Droutsas, were Mr. Papandreou’s statements effective?

Mr. Droutsas: Definitely. And I think that I can proudly say that Greece –despite being faced with a difficult situation – has managed to show the way and lead efforts within the EU against speculation on international markets.

Greece and Prime Minister George Papandreou have shown the way. Mr. Papandreou discussed this matter with Ms. Merkel, with Mr. Sarkozy and reached the joint conclusion that Europe has to take the necessary measures at last.

A joint initiative of the Greek Prime Minister, the German Chancellor and the French President is to follow, and other initiatives will be taken in the same direction. You will see these initiatives very soon.

Mr. Aftias: You are absolutely right, Mr. Droutsas, because a social monetary fund is being prepared to be set up within Europe, although this is my interpretation following the talks, i.e. that Europe is now thinking about creating a piggy-bank, which it can use to intervene in the case of countries facing problems. Mr. Droutsas, Alexis Mitropoulos would like to say a few words too.

Mr. Mitropoulos: Mr. Minister, dear Dimitri, I just want to say that we also interpreted the atmosphere of the meeting with Mr. Sarkozy as positive, and this was evident in the two officials’ statements. Mr. Sarkozy pointed out on three occasions that they will show solidarity, if needed. Mr. Minister, did you discuss what exactly Mr. Sarkozy’s commitment encompasses?

Mr. Droutsas: Dear Alexis, I simply want to say that experts are now looking into the details. What is important, and what we should stress - because this is a truly important message to international markets and to speculators as well – is that Greece has done its part, it has shown seriousness, it is a reliable country, it has a reliable government and a reliable Prime Minister.

And here, if the matter is raised and the European Union is needed, it will not leave Greece on its own. This is the message that we should focus on, this is the clear message in all directions.

Mr. Aftias: You have been absolutely clear Mr. Droutsas. It’s getting late now for you, and you have a meeting with Ms. Clinton at 10:00, is that right?

Mr. Droutsas: My meeting is at 13:00, Washington DC local time.

Mr. Aftias: That’s right, around the time of our evening news broadcasts. This is the first decisive meeting you will have, Mr. Droutsas and we wish you the best of luck. You are continuously being tested and we hope that we will be able to overcome this hurdle. Our thoughts are with you.

Mr. Droutsas: Thank you very much.