Back to reality: No Greek debt relief on agenda between Obama-Merkel (video)

Greek government hopes dispelled

The Greek government saw its hopes that outgoing US President Barack Obama would raise the issue of a possible debt relief to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on his visit to Berlin, dispelled, as the two leaders covered a large range of issues which did not include the Greek matter. A day after Barack Obama’s warm speech in Greece and his remarks on the need for alleviating the debt burden, the US President thanked the German Chancellor, during the joint press conference. He stressed the US commitment to the alliance between the EU and Germany with the US, adding that NATO was the cornerstone of the relationship. He continued by saying that economic integration across the globe was significant especially in the face of the challenges the EU project was facing. He reiterated the hope that the process of the Brexit would be conducted in a smooth fashion and preserve the economic and political relationships between the EU and Britain. He pointed out his belief that the EU remained one of the world’s greatest political and economic achievements that needed to be nurtured and cultivated. The two leaders discussed the matters of Syria, Ukraine and the refugee crisis, while they also talked about sanctions against Russia for its stance in the Ukraine. The risks of climate change was also matter touched upon by the two leaders.