PM Samaras: 'My Primary Concern Is Shielding The Banking System and The Economy'

The European Central Bank (ECB) meeting on Wednesday and Thursday that will examine the emergency liquidity assistance (ELA) for Greek banks "is a very serious meeting" and must be dealt with seriously by all in Greece, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said on Tuesday at the Glyfada town hall.

Responding to a query about the application of the four banks for precautionary assistance (provided by the ECB to solvent banks facing liquidity issues), Samaras said, "At this time, my primary concern is shielding the banking system and the economy. I had a series of contacts abroad and today with the ECB and of course with (ECB president Mario) Draghi. But just as my fellow-Greeks have trusted me these difficult years, they should rest assured that today and on January 26 we shall do whatever necessary for our homeland and with confidence, without frivolous words and exaggerations that are harmful. It is therefore a very imporant meeting of the ECB and it is important that people act with seriousness in this country."