Greek Economic Staff to Issue Detailed Release for Public on Monday

A detailed statement from Greece’s economic staff will be released on Monday, Greek Deputy Minister of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction Giorgos Katrougalos told journalists after a government meeting.

ATHENS (Sputnik) – On Saturday, the latest round of talks on Greece’s bailout ended with no results. The Eurogroup blamed Greece for breaking off talks as Athens announced a referendum for voters to decide whether to accept the new bailout deal offered by the lenders, which include the European Union, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Katrougalos said in the early hours of Monday that the Greek government perceives the referendum as a "continuation of talks" on Greek bailout with the use of alternative means.

Earlier, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos signed a decree on holding the referendum on July 5, as well as a government act detailing its organization and financing.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras confirmed on Sunday that Greek banks would be suspending work for one week, introducing restrictions on various transactions. The bank restrictions will not apply to tourists, according to the Greek government.

Greece’s current bailout program expires on Tuesday. On the same day, Greece must deliver the next $1.7-billion payment to one of its major creditors, the IMF. If the sides fail to reach a deal, Greece may default and exit the eurozone.