国际英语新闻：EU commissioner urges Greece to adopt additional measures against economic crisis

ATHENS, Mar. 1 (Xinhua) -- EU Commissioner on Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn openly urged the Greek government on Monday in Athens to announce as soon as possible the additional measures to face the economic crisis, beyond the policies pledged so far in the frame of Greece's Stability and Growth Program.

"You will either your debt under control or the debt will control you," Rehn stressed characteristically during a press conference, rounding up his one-day visit in the Greek capital for talks with Greek officials on the efforts made to tackle Greek economic woes.

After a round of meetings with the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and ministers, Rehn suggested to Athens to focus on further cutbacks on operating costs of the public sector, including decreases of salaries, as well as structural changes in the social security policy.

Visiting European Union's commissioner for Economy and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn (L) attends a press conference with Greek Finance Minister Giorgos Papaconstantinou (not pictured) after their meeting in Athens, capital of Greece, March 1, 2010. Olli Rehn Monday urged the Greek government to take additional measures to reduce the high deficit

Stressing that himself and the EU Commission fully support the efforts of Greece to put its national economy in order, Rehn commented that the measures already announced are going in the right direction, but due to lurking dangers, supplementary steps are required.

In particular, the commissioner called for permanent structural measures that will focus on the expenditure side, fiscal conservation and will strengthen the competitiveness of Greek economy to enhance future growth.

"The markets must be convinced that Greece will achieve its goals of reducing the deficit if the government's plans will be adopted by the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank," he noted, referring to the continuing pressure on Athens from international markets.

Rehn said that he felt the strong determination of Greek officials to take all the necessary measures, adding that Greece will regain the confidence of European partners and internationally, if the implementation of the Stability and Growth Program will end in success.

Commenting on reactions of Greek citizens to the package of austerity measures announced already and under discussion, the EU Commissioner called on all political forces and social partners in the country to support the measures announced by the government, saying it was extremely important for the Greek people to fix the problem without delays and put public finances back in the right path.

A small group protesters affiliated with a Left political party gathered outside the Ministry of Labor building in the center of Athens while Rehn held a meeting with Minister Andreas Loverdos, shouting slogans against austerity measures. Policemen used teargas when a few people tried to enter the building.

"No country can live for ever with funds it doesn't have," Rehn stressed, adding his certainty that with a new series of measures Greece will meet the target of a deficit reduction by four percentage points as a first step by the end of this year.

"We have ways and means to ensure economic stability in the eurozone. We will take all necessary measures through coordinated action to ensure the stability of the euro," the commissioner underlined, when asked whether Brussels intends to give financial or any other kind of support to Greece, like a guarantee on Greek government bonds.

Asked to comment on reports in Greek media on pressures from Brussels for the abolition of the 14th salary, Rehn said that during the Monday meetings with Greek government officials various measures were discussed and it is up to the Greek government to proceed with further measures to achieve the goals set.

Olli Rehn ended the press conference and the Athens visit, wishing Greeks "Kalo kouragio" which means "have courage" and "be strong" in Greek.