• “In recent years, Europe has let slide two fundamental values that are pillars of the European endeavour. I am talking about the value of responsibility and the value of solidarity. There are certain member states – among which is Greece, unfortunately – that failed to meet thier obligations to the whole, sometimes even hiding the truth, compromising the trust among member states. At the same time, however, the value of solidarity was violated.”
• “You see that in the hour of truth, the European Council proved in the end that Europe has not lost its soul. Greece stepped up to its responsibilities and regained its credibility, taking tough decisions that hurt all of us but are vital to getting the country back on its feet.”
• “The Foreign Ministry is now being called upon to actively support the recovery of the Greek economy and do battle on the front line. We have to put even greater emphasis on economic diplomacy and stand by our internationalized and productive forces.”
• “As we know, my dear friends, our country is in a difficult neighbourhood. The challenges we need to confront in our environs require vigilance, preparedness, composure and clear-sightedness. Foreign policy is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. It required stamina and strategy. The mission of everyone in this room is to expand our influence. It’s not an easy mission. But the darkest hour is just before the dawn. And that is the hour we are in right now. And this is the hour when we have to redouble our efforts and put all our strength into giving Greece power and a voice. Our strategic goal is the creation of a space of peace, security and stability on our borders.”
July 28, 2011