Biden Says Europe Could Emerge Strengthened From Debt Crisis Within a Year

Wall Street Journal
December 5, 2011

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden suggested Monday that Europe could emerge strengthened from its debt crisis within a year.

"I think that out of difficult times, opportunities present themselves," Mr. Biden said at the start of a meeting with Greece's Prime Minister Lucas Papademos. "And with a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, a year from now we will have not only weathered this crisis, but even be in a stronger position."

Mr. Biden also pledged U.S. solidarity with Greece as the country undertakes deep budget-cutting measures to meet the requirements of a bailout plan adopted by European leaders.

"We stand ready to help in every way we can," Mr. Biden said as Mr. Papademos stood at his side.

Mr. Biden flew to Athens on Sunday for meetings with Greece's political leaders, including President Karolos Papoulias and former Prime Minister George Papandreou. As he headed into the first meeting, Mr. Biden said his message to Europe is: "Hang in there."

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