(ANSA) - ATHENS - The stress test results for Eurozone banks including Greece's four systemic banks were officially released on Sunday by the European Central Bank (ECB). In Greece, Alpha Bank passed the stress tests successfuly while Piraeus, National and Eurobank passed provisionally. According to the ECB, of the 25 banks, 12 had already covered their capital needs, as they had proceeded to a capital increase totalling 15 billion euros in 2014.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras expressed his satisfaction over the results of the European Central Bank's stress tests that were officially announced on Sunday. "Stress tests results exceeded every expectation. We are now exiting the crisis step by step, based on strong foundations. This is the only way to create a new Greece with pride, financial strength and social justice. Nobody must be allowed to interrupt this course", said Mr. Samaras. (ANSA).