MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Greece will not default and leave the European Union, Russian Ambassador to EU Vladimir Chizhov told a press conference on Monday.
"If Greece defaults, it will shock the Eurozone to such extent that the future of the common European currency will become really worrisome," Chizhov said. "I think it will not come to this, and Greece will not leave the Eurozone. At least, the current Greek authorities do not plan to do this," the diplomat added.
- Greek justice minister: German property seizure possible as WWII compensation
- Greek economist: economic center of gravity shifting eastwards
- Athens asks Russia to lift import ban on strawberries, oranges and peaches
- EU says Greece demanding €162 bln in WWII reparations from Germany bilateral problem
- Greece wants more money for Trans-Adriatic Pipeline gas transit bypassing Russia
"The situation is complicated by the time factor," he noted. "Loans need to be repaid, some of them very soon, and they [Greek authorities] have to find money somewhere," Chizhov said.
The diplomat reminded that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is currently on his first official visit to Germany. "Emotions are running high on both sides, though they both understand that it’s not only Germany’s business. Problems in the Greek economy are being solved in the format of the European Group, consisting of 19 member-countries of the European Union," Chizhov said. "The Greek government is facing hard tasks. On one hand, they have to pay back the loans. On the other hand, they have to fulfill their election campaign promises," he added.
"The decisions, only partial for now, made by the Greek government will ensure gradual improvements in the economy," the ambassador concluded.