Tsipras: We have a historic opportunity to send a message of hope and dignity to Europe and the world
Yesterday’s
Eurogroup decision to not approve the Greek government’s request
for a few days’ extension of the program to give the Greek people a
chance to decide by referendum on the institutions’ ultimatum
constitutes an unprecedented challenge to European affairs, an action
that seeks to bar the right of a sovereign people to exercise their
democratic prerogative.
A high and
sacred right: the expression of opinion.
The
Eurogroup’s decision prompted the ECB to not increase liquidity to
Greek banks, and forced the Bank of Greece to recommend that banks
remain closed, as well as restrictive measures on withdrawals.
It is clear
that the objective of the Eurogroup’s and ECB’s decisions is to
attempt to blackmail the will of the Greek people and to hinder
democratic processes, namely holding the referendum.
They will
not succeed.
These
decisions will only serve to bring about the very opposite result.
They will
further strengthen the resolve of the Greek people to reject the
unacceptable memorandum proposals and the institutions’ ultimatums.
One thing
remains certain: the refusal of an extension of a few short days, and
the attempt to cancel a purely democratic process is an insult and a
great disgrace to Europe’s democratic traditions.
For this
reason, I sent a short extension request again today–this time to
the President of the European Council and to the 18 Heads of State of
the Eurozone, as well as to the heads of the ECB, the European
Commission and the European Parliament.
I am
awaiting their immediate response to this fundamentally democratic
request.
They are the
only ones who immediately can–even tonight–reverse the
Eurogroup’s decision and enable the ECB to restore liquidity to the
banks.
What is
needed in the coming days is composure and patience. The bank
deposits in the Greek banks are entirely secure.
This holds
true for the payment of wages and pensions, as well. We will deal
with any difficulties with calmness and determination.
The more
calmly we confront difficulties, the sooner we will overcome them and
the milder their consequences will be.
Today, we
have the chance to prove to ourselves–and indeed, to the world–that
justice can prevail.
Once again,
we have a historic opportunity to send a message of hope and dignity
to Europe and the world.
In these
critical hours, as we face history together, we must remember that
the only thing to fear is fear itself.
We will not
allow it to overcome us.
We will
succeed.
The dignity
of the Greek people in the face of blackmail and injustice will send
a message of hope and pride to all of Europe.
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