Tsipras: Programme review to be concluded without new measures

He explained that the exit from the crisis is visible and on time, in 2018, adding that the efforts for the conclusion of the second programme review have been accelerated so that the access to the markets is feasible after the participation to the ECB quantitative easing programme.
He stressed that the people understand who is trying to pull the country out of crisis and who is blocking the country's recovery. "We are moving forward and we are committed that things will always get better for the country," he said and referring to main opposition, he said "even if that means that they will get worse for your own political plans."
"We have complied with the programme, being full aware of the difficulties, and we have met our targets, because we made the state work and not serve its friends," he said.
"We have achieved high absorption rates as regards the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) funds. We have combatted corruption. This is the way for further tax relief for the weakest categories of citizens," Tsipras noted.
Earlier on Wednesday, Tsipras stated that the Geneva conference will resume on Wednesday on a technical diplomatic level. The Greek government is in close contact with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, he said.
He spoke of harsh and painstaking efforts to find a solution for the benefit of the entire Cypriot people, without guarantees and the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus.
"We tried to create a climate of understanding both inside and outside the country," the prime minister said, noting the constructive role that Greece played in the negotiations, "without retreating from our fair positions."
He stressed that although the solution is not yet apparent, important progress has been made since maps were exchanged for the first time. He added that although differences still remain, the issues of guarantees and security issues were for the first time on the agenda and this is considered to be a great diplomatic success. The Greek prime minister also noted the active role of the EU, which is also a positive development.
"We continue without excessive optimism, but with prudency and with a low profile, without obsessions and fears, and I hope that we will have positive developments in this crucial issue," he said.
Tsipras stressed the importance of the stance of the other side, especially Turkey, adding that that it should put aside the aggressive rhetoric and work seriously and responsibly.
"We will always be on the side of the Cyprus people in order to find a fair solution within the framework of the UN decisions and the status of Cyprus as an EU member state," the prime minister stressed.