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Greek FinMin responds to reports over isolation in debt talks

Xinhua, April 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis indirectly responded on Sunday with a comment posted on his twitter account to media reports that he was isolated and the target of strong criticism by other European finance ministers during talks over the Greek debt crisis in Riga on Friday.

The Greek official pointed to a quote by late U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

"FDR, 1936: 'They are unanimous in their hate for me; and I welcome their hatred.' A quotation close to my heart (& reality) these days."

During the latest Euro Group meeting to discuss the way forward to resolve the five-year Greek crisis and avoid a chaotic default and a possible Grexit in coming weeks, Varoufakis was pressured once again to submit a clear list of reforms Athens will commit to in exchange of further aid.

The meeting ended with no result, as several similar gatherings over the past two months, and some European officials expressed publicly speaking to media their frustration over the lack of progress.

According to media reports, Varoufakis seemed isolated from other officials who are said to have openly criticized during the talks his controversial personal negotiating style.

The Greek minister did not join a dinner attended by all other European officials.

Despite the negative climate, at the end of the meeting in Riga, Varoufakis appeared confident in statements to the press that a deal can be achieved soon. Endit