Greece hopes for Germany's support

Along with the National Council of PASOK, Evangelos Venizelos addressed the issue of PSI. The finance minister met with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and briefed George Papandreou. Athens has the support of Berlin, and Evangelos Venizelos spoke with his counterpart, the Minister of Finance of Germany Wolfgang Schaeuble.

By next Wednesday, as the IIF and Charles Dalaras heralded the continuation of consultations on the PSI, the Greek side expects some intervention by Germany to avoid the grim scenario of a compulsory restructuring of Greek debt.

Apart from the front with partners and lenders, Mr. Venizelos has to manage both PASOK and the government front, from which he expects support in handling difficult discussions.

The meeting with George Papandreou went over the entire matter. The two men remained firm in their positions. Papandreou believes in the election of his successor in March and the Minister of Finance is of the view that he cannot follow this schedule, due to the obligations of the government.

Speaking to reporters, Evangelos Venizelos said that "the lies are over." This week the Troika arrives and the bill goes to the House. "I need the support of both the ministers and the parliamentary group" he stated.