国际英语新闻：Greek PM says Greece can overcome economic crisis

ATHENS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Greece will manage to overcome the crisis, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou stressed on Friday, sending a message of hope to Greek people who suffer from a severe economic crisis this year.

"Can we win this battle? Yes, we can," said Papandreou, addressing a gathering of the National Council of the ruling socialist PASOK party on the 36th anniversary of its foundation by his late father Andreas Papandreou who also served as Premier in Greece.

Answering to criticism even by members of PASOK regarding the harsh austerity measures implemented over the past few months, Papandreou stressed that the cutbacks on salaries of civil workers, pensions and raises in taxes were introduced to save Greece from bankruptcy.

The measures were not enforced to Athens by European Union and the International Monetary Fund who financially support the country since this May to face the debt crisis, reduce an enormous debt deficit over a three-year period and return to the path of economic growth, added Papandreou.

His government proceeded to difficult changes in order to ensure a better future for next generations, he said, reminding people of the positive reforms made since October 2009, when PASOK won the general elections.

Recapping his government's first year in power, Papandreou said that restored the country's credibility abroad, and dared revolutionary reforms of the taxation and pension systems, as well as the restructure of central and local governments to slash public expenses.