Greece-Russia Ties Based on Respect Without Coercion – Syriza Member

Tighter economic cooperation between Greece and Russia will benefit Athens as it is based on mutual respect, unlike the troika of creditors who are seeking to impose more cuts on the debt-torn country, a Greek member of the European Parliament from Syriza party told Sputnik Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Daria Chernyshova — Kostadinka Kuneva explained that if next week’s emergency summit of eurozone leaders attempted to force Greece into unacceptable cuts and higher taxes, Greece would “review paying off the debt to creditors, the International Monetary Fund.”

“It will be good if new doors are open to such states as Russia. I think that the visit of Alexis Tsipras to St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is a very good development of bilateral ties. There are numerous new ways for cooperation between Greece and Russia, ties that will be based on respect and cooperation without coercion.”

Greece’s overall debt stands at $350 billion of $270 billion is owed to the troika — the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and the European Commission. If Greece and the troika cannot reach a deal by the June 30 deadline, Athens could default on IMF and ECB repayments, which could potentially lead to a Grexit.

Greek Deal With Troika Must Address Poverty, Avoid Cuts, Higher Taxes

“I hope there will be a logical agreement,” Kostadinka Kuneva said.

“A logical agreement for us means it puts an end to poverty in Greece, avoids cutting pensions. An agreement that will help the poor Greeks, must have two things. First of all, there would be no more cuts or high taxes. And secondly, there should be debt burden relief.”