Only ‘Yes’ Vote in Greek Referendum Can Achieve Better Bailout Terms – NGO

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Alexander Mosesov — A better agreement between the international creditors and Greece on a new bailout deal is possible only if voters accept the lenders' proposals on Sunday's referendum, the head of the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) told Sputnik on Friday.

On Saturday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a nationwide referendum on whether Greece should accept its creditors' demands for spending cuts and tax increases in exchange for further financial assistance in order to avoid default and a possible exit from the eurozone. Tsipras called on voters to reject the bailout plan, stating that it would strengthen the country’s position in the negotiations.

"Our European partners have indicated … that the terms of the agreement will not be better in the case of a 'no' vote," Thanos Dokos said.

At the same time, according to the ELIAMEP’s head, a people's vote in favor of the austerity measures could lead to a more beneficial deal for the Greek people.

"If the vote is 'yes', Europe cannot ignore the pro-European cry of a whole nation and the chances for a better agreement would probably increase," he pointed out.

Earlier on Friday, a survey by ALCO polling institute revealed that the number of Greek respondents planning to back the lender-proposed measures is slightly higher than the number of those planning to vote against the bailout plan.

On Thursday, Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said that the government may resign if the country’s people vote to accept the bailout deal.