New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras took part here on Thursday in a European People's Party (EPP) summit meeting. Earlier in the day, he held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Eurogroup President Jean-Claude Juncker and EPP Europarliamentary group leader Joseph Daul.
Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of his talks, Samaras said:
"During the EPP's meeting as well as during my meetings with Chancellor Merker, Jean-Claude Juncker and Joseph Daul, I reiterated the need for (a) achieving the targets we agreed upon and have already voted for and (b) taking immediately measures for the economy's recovery and growth. Because, without growth neither the fiscal targets will be achieved nor will the debt become viable."
The ND leader added that his discussions also focused on "concrete initiatives to achieve growth in order to contain recession and decrease unemployment, particularly among the young."
In his meeting with Chancellor Merkel, Samaras stressed the need for elections to be held in Greece in April.
Samaras pointed out to the chancellor that elections are necessary in Greece for the easing of the tension prevailing in the country, while expressing concern that otherwise there shall be a rise of anti-European parties.
Referring in particular to the meeting with Merkel, that lasted for about an hour, Samaras said that it took place in a very positive climate. As he said, he made a brief analysis of the situation in Greece.
Samaras also raised with the German Chancellor the issue of the declaration of the Exclusive Economic Zone that constitutes a source of energy for Greece and can bring revenues to the country.
Lastly, according to Samaras, Merkel, intervening in the session of EPP leaders, acknowledged that the situation in Greece has improved, but noted that the recent period of calm must not lead to complacence. (AMNA)
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