I think the facts reveal that the European partners have taken extraordinary measures to help Greece address its problems.

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.

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.

I think achieving a higher fiscal stability is also a very important condition for restoring an environment which is conducive to growth...

The government is determined to continue the process of fiscal consolidation and structural reform in order to secure sound public finances and improve the country's international competitiveness.

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

I am confident that we can overcome this crisis, provided that we remain united in our effort to address our debt and competitiveness problems. And I think that the Greek people are united; it's important also that the political forces are united in line with the will of the Greek people.