Our eurozone partners have made it clear: The choice is between staying in or getting out of the eurozone.

I think it's often discussed that leaving the Euro is an option for Greece. I think this is really not an option.

Greece is at a crucial crossroads. The choices that are made and the policies that are enforced will have a decisive impact on the wellbeing of Greeks. The way forward will not be easy but the problems can be solved, and will be solved, if there is unity, co-operation and consensus.

I thank all of those deputies who supported the government and gave it a vote of confidence. I believe each of those votes represents a responsible decision to avoid placing our country's membership of the eurozone in danger.

Our eurozone partners have made it clear: The choice is between staying in or getting out of the eurozone.

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.