Greece items of interest - May 20th , 2012

http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/8/55631

Bring on tv debate, says Tsipras

by Makis Papasimakopoulos 20 May 2012

The chance for a televised debate is one that Alexis Tsipras is more than open to, he has told party members. (file photo) Syriza head Alexis Tsipras has called on the Greek people to “complete their victory in the coming elections of June 17.   Speaking to party members, Tsipras attacked what he called the “vulgar propaganda” aimed at Syriza, that according to him was in place with the sole purpose of creating a unified front against his party.   “This fake dilemma, memorandum or exit from the euro is their plan. The return to the drachma after the Greek people have been brought to their kness is their plan. It is in fact, the last part of the plan set out by the memorandum and the loan agreement, a plan that Pasok and New Democracy are serving faithfully”, Tsipras stressed.   “The first memorandum was put in place in order for the markets to gain time and in order for our lenders to avoid losing a single euro. The second memorandum was put in place, to serve the interests of big capital both inside and outside our country. At the end of all these memorandums, if they so continue, is bankruptcy and a return to the drachma” he noted gravely.   On the matter of the proposed televised debate between him and New Democracy chief Antonis Samaras, Tsipras appeared open to the challenge set by his main opposition in the coming elections. “With what plan does Mr. Samaras intend to head into the elections with, the second memorandum translated in Greek? Again? We will of course have a chance to make this clear, possibly when we meet with him for a televised debate, which we will gladly be a part of.   Meanwhile, the debate, a proposal originally put forward by New Democracy spokesman Yannis Mihelakis, is a matter which has greatly frustrated and angered Pasok, sentiments that were very evident when party spokesperson Fofi Gennimata commented on the topic:   “To our surprise, we heard Mr. Mihelakis propose a debate between Mr. Samaras and Mr. Tsipras. This is the same man who prior to the previous elections, using a variety of excuses, basically torpedoed the chance of a debate between the political leaders. This sudden 180 degree turn shows a lot. Just like back then, so too now, New Democracy want to avoid a debate between Mr. Samaras and Mr. Venizelos”. and.... http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/8/55629 Stay in the euro by sticking to obligations, Schaeuble says 20 May 2012 Greece can stay in the euro by sticking to its commitments, the German finance minister has said. (file photo) German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said Greece's exit from the euro zone could definitely be prevented but that it was up to Greece to abide by its agreements.   "European solidarity isn't a one-way street," Schaeuble told Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "You can't have one without the other. If anyone in Greece thinks that's the case, then they're massively fooling themselves and the voters."   Amid discussions in Germany and elsewhere about a possible Greek exit from the euro zone, Schaueble was asked if that could still be prevented: "Naturally! Because that's exactly the goal we had in mind when we agreed to the extensive rescue efforts and reform programs that free the country for years from having to get loans in financial markets.   "Now it's up to Greece to abide by its obligations," he said.   Schaeuble said he hoped that Greece would have a stable government as soon as possible.   "The current situation is causing public uncertainty. That's exactly what political leaders shouldn't do." (Reuters)