Tsipras: Greek Govt Ready to Accept Any Vote on Bailout Crisis

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras says the Greek government is not discouraged by creditors' decision to cut financial support to Greece after the June 30 deadline and will accept any decision adopted by an upcoming bailout referendum.

ATHENS (Sputnik) — The Greek government is not discouraged by creditors' decision to cut financial support to Greece after the June 30 deadline and will accept any decision adopted by an upcoming bailout referendum, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said Monday.

Tsipras has announced a snap referendum, scheduled for July 5, to let voters decide on the creditors' latest bailout package proposal in exchange for unpopular austerity measures.

"The Greek people will respond to the [creditors'] ultimatum at a referendum. The government will accept any decision adopted by the referendum," Tsipras said in an interview with Greek ERT television.

He added that the issue of a Greek exit from the Eurozone was not put forth in the referendum, contrary to beliefs and suggestions circulating in the run-up to the announcement.

Tsipras expressed confidence that creditors did not intend to kick Greece out of the Eurozone, echoing a number of European leaders' stance. He warned, however, that a "Grexit" is wrought with adverse consequences not just for Athens, but for the entire monetary union.

On the subject of Greece's $1.77-billion repayment due to the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday, the Prime Minister vowed to transfer the money if international creditors offered a viable deal on Monday.

Tsipras backs a 'No' vote in next Sunday's referendum and argues that a rejection of international creditors' proposal by the public would better arm Athens in future possible talks to unlock the next $17-billion bailout package.