I have been supporting the European Union, but we are still a work in progress. We have to become more of a United States of Europe. We should talk about electing a president of the E.U., rather than having one selected from the heads of government.

At times of distress, we all like to recall the advice of fathers and mothers. The best advice my father gave me was to keep faith and deep confidence in the potential of the Greek people; nurture the belief that they can do things.

This is global governance in the making. But we must agree, and agree to a binding commitment.

I have a deep sense of responsibility to my country and Greek people.

I would like to see Greece as a case study, an opportunity for Europe to strengthen its coordination of fiscal policy.

Today I want to send a message of optismism to all Greeks. Our road, our path, will be more stabilised. Our country will be in a better situation. We will be stronger.

There are certain moments in the history of a nation when the choices made define the decades to come.