Athens , 10 March 2010

Mr. Papandreou: I briefed President Obama on the economic situation in our country, on the resolve we have shown in taking difficult measures, and on the determination of the Greek people to put our country on a new track of green development. But I also briefed him on our determination – apart from the immediate measures – to make major institutional changes in our economy, in public administration, in education and health, embarking on a course of green development so that our country can be competitive and attractive. A country that of course has much potential for development; potential that we want to guarantee.

I briefed the U.S. President on the initiative we took in Europe – Ms. Merkel, Mr. Sarkozy, Mr. Juncker and I – against speculation, against the speculators in the international markets, which is of immediate concern to our country because we have often been targeted by these speculators in recent months. And I requested that the U.S. help in this direction, particularly at the next G-20 meeting, which will take place in Europe and Korea.

This meeting is important, and Mr. Obama assured me that he sees this as a useful, important and positive initiative, and that the U.S. will assist in this direction. I think this is a very positive message that not only confronts Greece’s current problem, but will also put the international market into some order.

Of course, I also had the opportunity to talk about some other issues that concern our region, including the Cyprus issue. I reaffirmed my support for the efforts of President Christofias towards a just solution on the Cyprus issue, but I stressed the need for there to be a message to Turkey, as well, regarding decisive will to resolve this problem within the framework of Europe.

We also talked about our Agenda 2014 proposal for the EU accession courses of the countries of the Western Balkans, as we believe that support for this proposal will be a stabilizing factor in the wider region and an opportunity – a process – that will be catalytic in resolving the problems that exist – bilateral and otherwise – in the region.

With regard to Turkey, I mentioned the initiatives I have taken, the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Erdogan, and of course our will to revitalize Greek-Turkish relations with the aim of resolving issues, such as that of the continental shelf. We have the support of the U.S. in this effort.

Finally, I would like to inform you that Mr. Obama announced to me that he today decided to waive visas for Greek citizens traveling to the U.S. This announcement, which must already have been issued officially by the White House, is a vote of confidence in Greece, a vote of confidence in the Greek economy. And it is obvious, of course, that Greece, as always, is meeting its international obligations, is collaborating and working with all the international organizations, in the fight against international terrorism.

I think this is a very important gesture that is not just symbolic, but also substantial. So, I would like once again to thank Barack Obama for this initiative, which is a very positive sign.

Journalist: Mr. President, do you think that this meeting and the support offered by President Obama can substantially and practically strengthen the effort that has been undertaken to extricate Greece from the financial situation in which it has found itself?

Mr. Papandreou: I believe that every voice supporting the efforts of our country is important, no less that of the United States, which is not only a political power, but is of course also a great economic power. But I would also say that the fact that this will exists to work with the European Union to deal with speculators – I think this vindicates our efforts even further. Because the sacrifices of the Greek people are making it feasible for us, for our country, to be able to speak dynamically, to take initiatives, and Greece will emerge as a country that has a say on these issues. And of course, these efforts ultimately defend our own interests as well.

I also believe that the acknowledgement of these difficult measures – we all see how difficult this is for the Greek people – shows that our sacrifices are making a difference.

We have not finished our struggle yet. The struggle continues, but I think that every step is positive – today’s no less, with the positive response we had from President Obama.

Journalist: Did you get the support you wanted from President Obama? Did you ask for economic assistance?

Mr. Papandreou: No. We haven’t asked for economic assistance from anyone. What we want to do is revitalize our economy. We want to put our economy on the right course, and this has been acknowledged and welcomed by many leaders and, as I said, international organizations, such as the IMF and the European Central Bank.

We want to be able to borrow at low interest rates. And the intervention of the EU is vital on this point. I think that the European Union will take action now, so that we can confront this issue. And this is a very encouraging sign for the whole world.

It shows that the European Union is united; that there is solidarity and that speculators will not be allowed to play their own games. That is why I think it is so important that we took this initiative – Chancellor Merkel, President Sarkozy, Mr. Juncker and myself – to fight speculation, and that we got a positive response from President Obama, ensuring that this issue will be on the agenda of the next G-20 meeting.