LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE PRESIDENTS OF THE POLITICAL GROUPS AND THE CHAIR OF ECON COMMITTEE/FAWG
Dear President Schulz
Dear Mr Gualtieri,
Recent Wikileaks revelations of IMF officials' exchanges on the Economic Program of Greece, which refer to exerting pressure on Greece, EU member states and European Institutions, are a cause for great concern.
A unified and clear stance is necessary vis a vis any attempts to undermine our efforts to implement the economic program. We need a rapid and successful conclusion of the first review of the program according to the schedule and framework agreed between the Greek government and the European institutions, during the teleconference of the EuroWorking Group, on 1 April. To that end your contribution is essential.
There is an urgent need for the IMF to clarify to what extent positions expressed in the aforementioned revelations reflect IMF policy and intentions. It is more than worrying for economic stability in Greece and Europe, that specific circles seem to be planning unnecessary delays in the conclusion of the first review, believing that only a credit event in Greece will lead to concessions by Greece, the EU institutions and the EU member states. This jeopardizes economic and political stability, in a period when Europe faces enormous challenges such as economic, refugee and security crises, as well as the referendum in the UK.
Greece has honoured the July Agreement by implementing numerous, significant and unprecedented reforms and participates in relevant talks in good faith. We expect the same from all parties involved. Now is the time to enhance efforts -not create artificial obstacles- for the successful and sustainable conclusion of the review, which will give new impetus to the Greek economy and new positive perspectives to the Greek society.
yours sincerely,
Dimitris Papadimoulis
Vice President of the European Parliament &
Head of the SYRIZA delegation in the European Parliament
3.4.2016
