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I have called this meeting because time is running out not only for Greece but for all of us. We have only one week before the current Greek programme expires. And this means that the "let's wait and see" strategy must end.
It is my responsibility to make sure that we have done all we can to solve this problem. But it is also my responsibility to ensure that we respect all tax payers in all countries. If they hadn't borne the burden of austerities, they wouldn't be able to help Greece today. This is also why all the parties of the negotiations should respect one another. I am absolutely convinced that the blame game leads nowhere.
This evening I want all cards on the table. It doesn't mean that I want to negotiate the technical details, but it means that I want to end the political gambling. I can say that since I called this informal meeting some promising things have happened, including today's talks and meetings. And the latest Greek proposals are the first real proposals in many weeks, although they obviously still need the assessment of the institutions and further work.
But the most important thing is that the leaders take full responsibility for the political process to avoid the worst-case scenario which means uncontrollable, chaotic Graccident. Thank you.
