09/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - In view of the mistrust of the financial markets, which are concerned that state of Greek public finances, the Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Joaquín Almunia, on Tuesday 8 December published a press release in which he calls upon Athens to take action. "A difficult situation in one euro-area Member State is a matter of common concern for the euro area as a whole", the Commissioner explained. "The draft budget adopted on 20 November is one important step in the right direction, but more measures are required", stressed Mr Almunia, who added that the Commission and the Eurogroup would continue to follow developments in the situation very closely and stand ready to "assist the Greek government in setting up a comprehensive consolidation and reform programme". (A.B./trans.fl)