“We put forth our plan for Greece’s exit from the crisis last night,” said Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in his meeting with journalists at the Ministry of Education. “The decision as to whether they desire an end to the crisis without division is now in the hands of the political leadership of Europe.”

“Negotiation is tough, we are negotiating with a plan, with a strategy,” he said. “Greeks should feel proud for the effort being made and the fact that Greece is standing firm under difficult conditions and is claiming its rights.”

The prime minister agreed that Athens has retreated on some issues but has been working towards a realistic plan. Tsipras stated the belief that the political leadership of Europe will respect Greek positions so that there is greater optimism for the future.