BERLIN
Greece's new prime minister Antonis Samaras said on Friday his government needed "time to breathe" to carry out cuts and reforms to save the country from the crisis and a possible default.
"We don't want more aid. Economic growth is our priority but we need breathing space," Samaras told reporters at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, the German capital, adding that Greece would honor and fulfil its commitments.
"I am deeply convinced that the new Greek government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Samaras is doing everything to solve the problems that Greece is facing. We know that this requires great sacrifices," Merkel told reporters.
She reiterated Germany's support for Greece, adding that keeping the country as part of the eurozone was the fundamental goal.
"This guides all our discussion, because we know that the euro is much more than just a currency. It is an idea," Merkel said.
Samaras is set to visit Paris on Saturday to meet President Francois Hollande.
