I am confident that we can overcome this crisis, provided that we remain united in our effort to address our debt and competitiveness problems. And I think that the Greek people are united; it's important also that the political forces are united in line with the will of the Greek people.
The participation of our country in the eurozone is a guarantee for the country's monetary stability. It is a driver of financial prosperity.
I am personally convinced - and I think the Greek people share this belief in a fundamental way - that we can achieve fiscal consolidation more effectively and we can restore competitiveness in a more fundamental and permanent way within the euro area than outside.
Delays in granting of justice very often reduce the speed with which investment could be undertaken, discouraging investors.
I think the facts reveal that the European partners have taken extraordinary measures to help Greece address its problems.
I think it's often discussed that leaving the Euro is an option for Greece. I think this is really not an option.
The new co-operation government will do the best it can to address the country's problems, and I believe that with the co-operation of all - and the new government stresses this - and the unity of all, we will achieve that.
I am not a politician but I have dedicated the biggest part of my professional life to economic policy both in Greece and Europe.
The financial crisis in our country is not a passing storm. Given the size of the problems, our national effort will not be completed in 2012. It will take many years and will require the efforts and insistence of several governments.
Governments cannot assume or expect that the ECB will always facilitate their funding independently of the achievement of their fiscal and other policy objectives.
More cuts were needed to avoid exiting the eurozone.
A very difficult year is ahead of us. We must continue our efforts with decisiveness, to stay in the euro, to make sure we do not waste the sacrifices and do not turn the crisis into an uncontrolled and disastrous bankruptcy.
Our membership of the euro is a guarantee of monetary stability and creates the right conditions for sustainable growth. Our membership of the euro is the only choice.
The ECB's interventions in sovereign bond markets should not be perceived or interpreted as a 'freebie' for governments. They are temporary.
Dealing with Greece's problems will be more difficult if Greece is not a member of the eurozone.
And judging what is appropriate or not appropriate for a country, I think it is important in particular in judging what is the appropriate economic policy framework, one should take into account the overall political environment and the institutional framework within which economic policy operates.
My job will not be easy but I am convinced the problems will be solved in a quicker and more efficient way if there is unity and consensus.
Our position in Europe is not negotiable. The Greek people will defend it by all means. But participation in the euro involves rules and obligations, which we must consistently meet. Greece belongs to Europe and Europe cannot be envisaged without Greece.
So it won't be a surprise when the Greek default actually happens and we expect it one way or the other to be relatively soon.
Our eurozone partners have made it clear: The choice is between staying in or getting out of the eurozone.
