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.

Dealing with Greece's problems will be more difficult if Greece is not a member of the eurozone.

The new co-operation government will do the best it can to address the country's problems, and I believe that with the co-operation of all - and the new government stresses this - and the unity of all, we will achieve that.

We must all assume out responsibilities to take the country forward.

In the 20 years before Greece end up with the Euro, efforts to improve competitiveness through exchange rate and adjustments resulted only in temporary gains of competitiveness.

The participation of our country in the eurozone is a guarantee for the country's monetary stability. It is a driver of financial prosperity.

So it won't be a surprise when the Greek default actually happens and we expect it one way or the other to be relatively soon.