Greece eyes "mutual acceptable solution" to debt through dialogue

Greece's new government eyes a mutual acceptable solution to the Greek sovereign debt through consultations with international lenders, newly elected Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Thursday.

Tsipras made the remarks following talks with visiting European Parliament President Martin Schulz in Athens in his first meeting with a European official after taking office.

"We are launching a dialogue to achieve a mutually acceptable and beneficial solution to all sides," Tsipras said during joints statements to the press, noting that such talks will take time.

Welcoming Schulz as "a good friend of Greece" he stressed that his government enters the dialogue "with seriousness" and "guarantees stability."

Radical Left SYRIZA leader, who formed a ruling coalition with the Right-wing Independent Greeks on an anti-bailout agenda after winning Sunday's national polls, has caused nervousness among Greece's international creditors, markets and investors with his alternative policy mix regarding the resolution of the debt crisis.

"Europe will move forward to a better future with stronger solidarity and trust. Europe will overcome the crisis and emerge stronger than ever," Tsipras concluded, playing down concern over an impending clash with European lenders which could lead to a Greek default and exit from the euro zone.

Tsipras talked about a "constructive meeting which will help build a new relationship of trust between post-bailout Greece and European Union institutions."

German Social democrat Schulz has offered to convey Athens' first messages to other European leaders, starting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their meeting on Friday.

SYRIZA' request for a renegotiation of Greece's sovereign debt and a new write-off to make it sustainable was not formally on the agenda of Thursday's meeting.

However, according to Greek government sources Tsipras took the opportunity to stress that the top priority for his government was to deal with the humanitarian crisis caused by harsh austerity measures imposed by previous governments, to change course, to promote a plan to ensure the sustainability of the debt and boost growth and employment.

On his part, Schulz welcomed the new government's pledge to combat tax evasion and continue reforms in public administration.

He noted that there was agreement on several issues during the meeting, but there were also diverging views which need to be bridged through dialogue.

"Dialogue is very important in European politics in my opinion... Today I heard that issues regarding Greece's financing will not be addressed by unilateral actions by your government and insistence on your views, but through dialogue with partners. I believe this is a significant step," Schulz said.

"Today I was assured that the government intends to submit proposals for consultations, that the government seeks mutually acceptable solutions with its counterparts and this is a very positive message," he added.

"I hope that your great country will remain on the European course," Schulz stressed.

Athens demanded to be treated as equal partner in the EU, complaining on Tuesday that Greece was not consulted prior to the release of the statement.

Schulz commented on Wednesday that one cannot demand from Europe to show solidarity with his country and then, as a first official step, split the joint European stance.

On Friday Eurogroup Chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem visits Athens for talks with Greece's new political leadership. Enditem