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

More cuts were needed to avoid exiting 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.

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

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 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.

Governments cannot assume or expect that the ECB will always facilitate their funding independently of the achievement of their fiscal and other policy objectives.