Greece crisis, Eurozone rules out talks until after referendum

Greece crisis: Eurozone rules out talks until
after referendum
2 July 2015 Europe
Supporters of the "No" campaign in Sunday's referendum
marched in Thessaloniki as divisions sharpen over the vote
Eurozone finance ministers have ruled out any further talks
on a fresh bailout for Greece until the country holds its
referendum on Sunday.
Greeks will be asked to accept or reject proposals made by
creditors last week, with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras
urging a "No" vote.
Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis accused the creditors of
blackmail.
But he pledged a deal would be reached soon after the vote
and that current limits on bank withdrawals would ease.
Earlier on Wednesday Mr Tsipras put new proposals to
eurozone partners, accepting most of what was on the table
before talks with creditors collapsed last week, but with
conditions.
His latest offer is tied explicitly to agreement on a request
for a third bailout from the eurozone's bailout fund lasting
two years and amounting to €29.1bn.
However, later Mr Tsipras made a defiant speech on national
TV confirming Sunday's vote would go ahead and urging a
"No" vote to strengthen Greece's hand in negotiations.
Mr Varoufakis said later in a TV interview: "This is a very dark
moment for Europe. They have closed our banks for the sole
purpose of blackmailing what? Getting a 'Yes' vote on a non-
sustainable solution that would be bad for Europe."
But he added: "On Monday, the creditors, the lenders will
have taken the message by the Greek people... So as soon
as they get this message, be sure that in a very short time
there will be a response."
Dutch Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Jeroen
Dijsselbloem replied to Mr Tsipras's proposals by saying a
new bailout could only be discussed "after and on the basis
of the outcome of" the vote.
The BBC's James Reynolds in Athens says EU negotiators
believe the proposals themselves have now expired and that
there is little point in taking the country's phone calls until
the referendum is held.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among those
insisting talks must follow the outcome of the vote.
However, French President Francois Hollande said he wanted
a deal to be found before the referendum.
"We have to be clear. An accord is for right now, it will not be
put off," he said.