Lew to Tsipras: Negotiations must be concluded ASAP

Statements before the LSE

A new telephone conversation was held between US FinMin Jack Lew and Greek PM Alexis Tsipras. This shows Washington DC’s wish to see an agreement on Greece as soon as possible.

 

According to official sources, Mr. Lew supported the wish that all parties come to an agreement soon, warning that a possible failure to do so would bring great hardship to Greece and uncertainties to the world economy.

 

Earlier today, US Finance Minister Jacob Lew expressed the need for Greece to proceed with tough policies, mentioning our country anew, after last week’s talk with the Greek PM.

 

Lew spoke before the London School of Economics, and stated that it is to everyone’s best interest that the Greek matter is resolved without a crisis. At the same time he underlined that it is incorrect for anyone to think that a failure of Greece would not impact the world economy.

 

The US FinMin underlined his worry that a wrong estimate would lead the country to a crisis. He noted that Athens must show flexibility  in order to avoid a difficult situation. According to Mr. Lew, the challenge to Europeans, financial institutions and the IMF is to show flexibility.