The White House on Friday welcomed the "determination" of embattled Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou following his formation of a new government to confront the country's debt crisis.
"We welcome the determination of Prime Minister Papandreou and the Greek government to take the difficult steps necessary to guide Greece through these financial challenges," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
Fighting against time to negotiate a new bailout with European peers before Greece's available resources run out next month, Papandreou reached across rival factions in the ruling Socialist party to quell dissent that threatened to burst into open revolt amid mounting anti-austerity protests.
"We support the government and the people of Greece in their efforts to get through these current difficulties and put their country back on strong financial footing by improving competitiveness and continuing the necessary reforms," Carney told reporters.
AFP
