Greek PM dismisses talks of eurozone exit, default

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Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou dismissed talks of a Greek eurozone exit and default once again on Sunday, vowing full commitment to structural reforms in order to return to stability and growth by 2013.

"A Greek exit from the European common currency zone would lead to the collapse of the eurozone .. And for certain we will not let Greece collapse," said Papandreou at a press conference held at Thessaloniki during the northern Greek city's annual International Trade Fair.

"We will not let Greece become a scapegoat for Europe's problems.. We will do whatever necessary to safeguard the agreement of July 21 that makes Greek debt manageable. We will take all decisions to avert any dangers for Greece," added the Greek prime minister.

Shortly before, Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos had announced an additional package of austerity measures, including a new tax on real estate.

Both voiced confidence Athens will fulfil all pledges regarding deficit reduction and growth goals over the next two years, as EU/International Monetary Fund creditors request in order to release further aid, according to the deal European leaders reached on July 21.

Speaking to journalists, Papandreou did not rule out the prospect of further supplementary austerity and reform measures in the future if necessary.

"Our message to Germans and everybody is that we will pay back all our debts," said Papandreou when asked about Berlin's increasing pressure on Greece to fully implement the three-year austerity and reform plan and relevant international media reports.

"It is better if all of us lose something, rather than all of us losing everything," stressed the Greek leader in a reply to strong opposition from political parties and labor unions to the painful measures introduced since 2010, adding that the top priority after all is the rescue of the country from economic collapse.

Ruling out the option of snap general elections, he noted that despite the pain, Greek citizens "do not want polls, but change", repeating a plea for national consensus.

Papandreou ruled out the prospect of a grand coalition with the main opposition conservative New Democracy (ND) party which objects to many government policies.

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