Athens , 7 March 2010

Journalist: In Germany right now, your country is being described as mired in cronyism, corruption and tax evasion. And Athens is retaliating with allegations of Nazism. How tense are relations between the two countries?

Mr. Droutsas: Greek-German relations are excellent, as always. The atmosphere in recent days has been tense on the level of the news media on both sides. Our citizens know that we have difficult times ahead of us. They feel that they have already contributed to some degree, and despite that, they feel they are under pressure and are coming in for harsh criticism – sometimes even abuse and maliciousness. All of this has caused emotional outbursts and misunderstandings.

Journalist: The Vice President of the government, Theodoros Pangalos, went so far as to point out that the German occupation forces in World War II took the money and gold of the Greeks, without ever returning it. The Speaker of the Greek Parliament, Petsalnikos, called the German Ambassador to an audience.

Mr. Droutsas: This shows that the Greek people were really irritated. But I am certain that this does not reflect the real relationship between the two nations.

Journalist: Hitler imposed a $3 billion loan on the Greeks, and when the Nazi forces withdrew from Greece, they left an additional debt of about €5 billion. Are there still open ledgers?

Mr. Droutsas: When emotions take over, it brings out feelings and memories of the past. The Greeks suffered a great deal during World War II.

Journalist: And that is why 36 villages have applied to the European Court, claiming €23 billion in reparations for the slaughters perpetrated by the SS at Distomo and Kalavryta.

Mr. Droutsas: That is correct – for us, the matter of German reparations is still open. And Prime Minister Papandreou stressed this in Parliament. But in no way do we link this to our efforts to remedy Greece’s public finances.

Journalist: The effort to invoke German history isn’t a red herring?

Mr. Droutsas: These matters remain open and open to discussion. And when a discussion becomes as emotionally charged as this, these things are used as tools. But neither side will allow us to become disoriented through this discussion.

Journalist: So, should EU countries – like Germany and France – lend their assistance if Greece continues to be unable to borrow at reasonable rates on the international money markets?

Mr. Droutsas: Greece has never requested financial assistance from its partners in the European Union. And we will not ask for such assistance. We are convinced that we can manage this on our own.

Journalist: And if that turns out not to be the case, what will you expect from the EU then?

Mr. Droutsas: To send a clear, unanimous message that Greece – with the measures it has taken – is on the right path. This is a matter of our credibility. We need the full solidarity of our partners so that the money markets can calm down again.