Tsipras: bailout will end economic uncertainty

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Wednesday that he was confident that a third bailout from the Mediterranean country's creditors would "end economic uncertainty."

"Despite the obstacles that some are trying to put into our path, I'm optimistic we will get to an agreement, loan support from the European mechanism, which will put a final end to economic uncertainty," Tsipras said.

However, the Greek premier did not name EU states he believes have a "hidden plan to reshape the eurozone using Greece as the excuse."

Tsipras' statement marks his first since marathon talks led to a "technical deal" on Tuesday for a third bailout plan that would unlock at least 85 billion euros ($94 billion) in much-needed funds.

The Greek premier also said that his government would push forward with measures to tackle tax evasion and corruption, adding that they were the root cause of the country's crisis.

Greece's parliament is expected to vote on Thursday for the deal's reforms, a prerequisite to unlock the funds.

Positive impressions

Following Tsipras' announcement on Wednesday, Germany noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was well received.

"If you consider where we've come over the past months in this discussion, this is a substantial result," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesperson Steffen Seibert.

Seibert noted that the MOU included "sensible" and "important" measures that would pave the way forward, after months of tense talks nearly resulted in Greece exiting the eurozone.

More time

However, Seibert added that Germany needed more time to thoroughly review the 400-page text outlining fiscal and policy measures.

"It is true that the Greek government was constructive and results-oriented in its discussions with the institutions. Negotiations took place in an atmosphere that we hadn't experienced in the past months," Seibert said.

"So one can say that the agreement goes in the right direction. But at this hour it is not yet possible to say whether we are at the point where we can start the national process, in other words call for a vote in the Bundestag," Seibert concluded.

ls/rc (AFP, Reuters)