The situation in the country has reached a critical stage, one that demands caution and responsibility both on the part of the leaders of the coalition government as well as the country’s international lenders.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has demonstrated that he is completely determined to carry the tremendous burden of the agreement with the country’s partners and save the country from disaster.

PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos and Democratic Left chief Fotis Kouvelis have also displayed political courage, both fully aware of the political cost attached to everything they are voting for in Parliament.

We have now reached the moment of truth, however.

The troika can and should agree to an honest compromise, because it would be unreasonable to wreck these negotiations, which are so close to completion.

Maximalism serves no one at this point and could very well lead the country into a profound political crisis with unforeseen and dangerous consequences.