Paris: Remarks made by Prime Minister Papandreou and President Sarkozy

March 8, 2010

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After an hour long meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, at the Elysee Palace, yesterday (March 7, 2010), French President Nicolas Sarkozy issued a strong message of solidarity towards Greece and its efforts to bring about economic recovery, making it clear that the Euro area member states would rise to the occasion.

“The Greek government has taken the measures expected of it,” noted Nicolas Sarcozy. “The countries of the Eurozone must now be ready to take their own [measures]. France will therefore do what is necessary”

George Papandreou stated in turn that he had received active support from France, which recognizes and supports the efforts of the Greek people. Noting that resort to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not Greece’s preferred choice, George Papandreou again stressed that Greece is not asking for financial assistance, only the opportunity to borrow at a rate similar to other Eurozone countries.