France and Germany have firmly resolved to save the unique European currency and will not allow the euro to become a hostage to the markets, said French government spokesman Francois Baroin on Monday.
He is, as he stated, convinced that the €85 billion aid package for Ireland, agreed upon last weekend, will prove to be "sufficient and effective" in calming financial markets. "This measure does not represent just a one-time response to an important crisis – it is an element of absolute determination of Europe, the determination of France and Germany, to save the eurozone," said Baroin, who is also the French Minister for Budget, in an interview with radio station Europe 1. "It is essential that everyone, investors, receives the message from Europe: the euro will be saved. It is an instrument that will not become a hostage," he added, further emphasizing that the debt crisis in Europe does not pose any threat to France. (H)
