Papandreou seeks unity at meeting with Papoulias - The Best from Greece

George Gilson 17 Oct 2011

Amid heightened uncertainty over what an October 23 European Council summit will decide on the Greek debt crisis, and facing mounting social unrest at home, Prime Minister George Papandreou briefed President Karolos Papoulias after noon on Monday on the latest political developments.

“It is the most critical week for both Europe and Greece,” Papandreou said in on-camera remarks at the meeting, which was hastily scheduled yesterday, underlining the importance of forging a united political front ahead of the summit.

The prime minister stated that Greece’s political forces must signal that “we first of all want the great changes”.

He insisted that only a comprehensive European solution can address the Greek and eurozone debt problem.

The premier reiterated the view that the basis of the solution of the Greek problem should be the July 21 EU summit, which provided for a 21 percent haircut on Greek debt, and provide “solid foundations” for economic development.

Still, the final solution for the Greek debt problem is unlikely to be unveiled on October 23, as the dispute between Berlin and the banks over the size of the Greek haircut continues to rage.

The meeting fuelled speculation that the prime minister may ask the president to convene a meeting with opposition leaders in a fresh bid to forge a national understanding on dealing with the crisis.

Papandreou and Samaras to meet

Meanwhile, it was announced on Monday afternoon that the prime minister will meet with New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras at 7pm on Tuesday in the former's office.