Merkel and Sarkozy on the future of Greece and the euro:
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy attempted to calm market anxiety over a possible Greek default on Wednesday evening, affirming their commitment to Greek membership of the euro.
“The president and the chancellor are convinced that the future of Greece in the euro area,†the pair declared in a joint statement with with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.
The declaration followed a teleconference with the Greek leader in which he restated his commitment to putting in place the agreed cuts, privatisation and structural reforms ordered by international lenders.
“The Greek prime minister confirmed his government’s absolute determination to take all necessary measures to implement all commitments,†the statement continued.
“The implementation of the commitments of the programme is essential for the Greek economy can regain the path of a sustainable and balanced growth. The success of the recovery plan of Greece will strengthen the stability of the euro area.â€
Never believe anything until it’s been officially denied.
Dave,
This is a couple weeks old now, but have you read it?
Yeah, I did. What it reminded me of more than anything else was a wisecrack that Jay Leno made some years ago to the effect that during WWII we couldn’t even get the French to defend France. If the Europeans don’t care to take the steps that are necessary to prevent a breakdown of civil order in Europe, I’m not sure what we can do or even if we should try.
If the Europeans don’t care to take the steps that are necessary to prevent a breakdown of civil order in Europe, I’m not sure what we can do or even if we should try.
Well, we could start increasing the size (manpower) in the Army, for the inevitable war we will be sucked into.
What was the last major European war we didn’t get involved in, the Franco-Prussian War from aroun 1870? I believe that might have only been because the Prussians won so quickly, although memory fades at this point.