Greek PM Alexis Tsipras landed in New York, early Sunday to take part in the 70th United Nations Annual Assembly. During his 6-day stay in the US, the Greek PM hopes to gain the support of the US in an effort to promote a better deal for the enormous Greek debt. Tsipras is banking on the positive stance of the United States on a debt reduction as expressed by US President Barack Obama during the latter’s phone contact with the Greek PM to congratulate him on being re-elected. Last week Obama told Tsipras over the phone that ‘the US looks forward to working with the new Greek government, as it takes steps to implement the necessary reforms to return to growth and achieve sustainability within the Eurozone, including a debt relief with its creditors’. The Greek government values the US position on Greek debt relief as it is a ‘bargaining chip’ in trying to ensure a viable solution of the country’s debt. The two leaders are scheduled to have an informal meeting on the sidelines of the UN conference. Tsipras will also meet with other world leaders like the President of Cyprus, Brazil, Ecuador, Palestine and the Prime Minister of Turkey. He will also meet with the UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Tsipras is scheduled to address the General Assembly on October 1, while he will also participate in the UN Sustainable Development Summit on September 27 and the conference of the migration crisis titled: ‘Strengthening cooperation on migration and refugee movements under the new development’ to take place on September 30. Moreover, the Greek PM is expected to meet with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Demetrius.     

Arrival of Greek PM Alexis Tsipras at Westin Hotel in New York. (photo by Michail Ignatiou)