“We are very close to an agreement,” said Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras with reference to the second evaluation during the reception for Commissioner Pierre Moscovici at Maximos Mansion after the Commissioner’s meeting with the President of the Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
Mr. Moscovici hailed the debt solution a “success story,” both for Greece and the Eurozone. He said:”we are very close to a deal,” that we have “a very successful first evaluation,” and that “we will succeed in completing the second one successfully as well.” He also added that “it is time for us to assume our responsibilities and to start our discussion about the debt immediately.”
As Mr. Moscovici said himself, he knows very well what the pros and cons are, “but we have a critical Eurogroup on December 5 at that we have to take important decisions at so we can pave the way.” He admitted, nonetheless, that it would be difficult to do so in one meeting.
Earlier, during his meeting at the Presidential Palace with Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici, Mr. Pavlopoulos had stated: “We will do whatever it takes. It is also necessary for our partners to proceed with taking measures for the relief of the Greek debt, according to the rules of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). Noone ever mentioned anything about a haircut. But we are talking about methods that are consistent with European Law and especially that which governs the European Stability Mechanism. Our partners must reciprocate.”