"We will disappoint those who believe that we will abandon Greece"

After his meeting with Prime Minister George Papandreou, Eurogroup leader Jean-Claude Juncker appeared optimistic regarding the release of the sixth tranche of the loan to Greece.

In fact he did not hesitate to assess that the infamous report by troika - which will form the basis for the release of the actions that will support our economy - will be probably be issued sooner than originally estimated, even by the middle of next week.

He also appeared optimistic about the implementation of the decisions of July 21, but also about the outcome of European consultations that will culminate with a summit on October 23.

On Thursday morning the Prime Minister met with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and directly afterwards showed his optimism about the outcome of the titanic efforts of the Greek people.

"We are moving forward to overcome this challenge", said the prime minister, actually confirming that ten days before the crucial summit on October 23 the European Union countries are still divided. "The challenge is to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution to the crisis inside the euro area," he added, defining the challenge of the upcoming gathering of the EU leaders.

Without revealing details of his conversation with Van Rompuy about the content of the solution package that is being drafted, Papandreou stressed the need to deepen economic and intergovernmental cooperation and strengthen the EFSF, as well as the European banking system.

Speaking in English, the Prime Minister assured journalists of the international media that the government is implementing a program of reforms. "The Greek people want change" he said, conveying the commitment of the Greeks to implement the changes "as painful as they are". It is impressive that he just mentioned ​last Sunday’s statements by the leaders of France and Germany without naming Nicolas Sarkozy or Angela Merkel and without any reference to the two European powers, referring only to the positive messages by the institutional partners of Greece.