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

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.

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.

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

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.

I am not a politician but I have dedicated the biggest part of my professional life to economic policy both in Greece and Europe.

Greece could default on its debts and even exit currency bloc if it cannot deliver reforms.