Stournaras: Until we reach the markets our path will remain rough

"Our major goal is to achieve a primary surplus even this year in order to activate the clause of debt reduction", and if this is achieved the Greek government will seek new ways of debt relief, Finance minister Yannis Stournaras said.

"Until Greece is able to reach the our path will remain rough," he said at today's press conference on the occasion of the agreement reached yesterday with troika.

Sending a message "of optimism but not of complacency," he said that so far Greece has traveled more than 2/3 of the distance on fiscal adjustment and more than 3/4 in terms of competitiveness.

"The big challenge for us is the combination of fiscal consolidation and economic growth," he added.

Regarding the negotiations with troika, the Finance minister said that it was difficult, but took place in a climate of mutual trust.

Furthermore, Stournaras maintained that systemic banks can integrate small banks after the recapitalization while deputy Finance minister Christos Staikouras, said that about 20 billion euros have returned to Greek banks.

Regarding the issue of civil servants, the Finance minister said that the Greek government will replace 15,000 civil servants by the end of 2014, while 4,000 will be replaced by the end of 2013.