"When it comes to the assistance, we have not so far officially asked anyone for it, but as you know, every helping hand will come in handy now, first of all, Russia’s [assistance] would be a great relief for us."
The Greek government will hold a referendum on accepting the bailout deal proposed by the international lenders on July 5. The creditors want Greece to implement additional austerity measures in exchange for cash.
The European Union has been "blackmailing" Athens, and the upcoming referendum will let Greece officially say "no" to the European "threat," Lafazanis said.
If creditors do not change their stance on Greece’s bailout program following a "no" vote in the referendum, Athens will implement its prepared "Plan B," the minister said, providing no additional details.
Earlier this month, Lafazanis said that the development of Greece-Russia relations could contribute to substantial financial and energy-related benefits for Athens.
Athens' current bailout deal with its creditors expires Tuesday night. The stalled negotiations between the parties on extending the deal in exchange for unfavorable austerity reforms have not reached yielded results.
On Tuesday, Greece must deliver the $1.7-billion payment to one of its major lenders, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), or face a default. Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis stated that the country would not make the payment.
