The economy and the problem of illegal migration dominated the meeting main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Antonis Samaras and visiting European Council President Herman van Rompuy on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Samaras stated that no discussion was made on debt restructuring, adding that it "is a mistake even to discuss such likelihood. Just talking about it is harmful".
Samaras expressed optimism stressing that "there is a way out and a solution but Greece will have to change policy ensuring more economic growth while displaying greater responsibility."
Referring to the government, Samaras stated that "a policy change does not translate into a defeat. Insisting in making the same mistake, however, is a defeat."
On the role of Europe, he said that it "should display greater realism and more solidarity toward countries like Greece."
Samaras expressed satisfaction over Rompuy's position on the illegal migration problem and stressed that Europe should realize that Greece being its external border will most likely face huge migration problems noting the explosive situation in northern Africa.
They also discussed the decisions made on the economy both in Greece and on EU level and analyzed the policies that countries like Greece, Ireland and Portugal will have to adopt depending on their situation.
Rompuy referred to the recession in Greece in relation to the heavily restrictive policy implemented, while Samaras outlined his proposals for the adoption of measures that will not bear a fiscal cost. A comprehensive economic proposal will be formally unveiled by Samaras in early May.
source: ANA
