EU leaders welcome Greek presidency

EU leaders Wednesday night in a ceremony in Athens officially inaugurated the six-month Greek Presidency of the EU, underlying the support of Brussels for Greece to overcome its economic and political crisis. "Greece takes over the rotating Presidency of the Council in a particularly challenging moment. Two years ago, many were betting on a Greek exit of the euro, an implosion of our common currency, and possible disintegration of the EU," said the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, in his inaugural speech. "The very fact that we are here in Athens today celebrating the beginning of the Greek presidency - of a full member of the European Union and a full member of the euro area - is clear evidence that those predictions were wrong, " he said. "We are, generally speaking, emerging from recession and I hope that this year Greece will get out of the recession," said Barroso. On his part, the President of the European Counicl, Herman van Rompuy, in his inaugural speech noted that this is already the fifth time that Greece is holding the EU Presidency. "This fifth time comes at a particularly difficult moment for your country. That your government and administration were able to prepare so admirably for this Presidency despite difficult circumstances, certainly goes to your credit, " he said. On his part, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said the EU Presidency inauguration was "a special day" for all Greeks. "Greece is now back on its feet," he added. The Greek EU presidency is expected to focus on growth and jobs and immigration. However, the most important event under the Greek Presidency will be the European parliament elections in May. "Four months and a half from now, citizens in all our 28 member states will take part in European elections. An important moment for all our democracies," noted Van Rompuy.