Greek FinMin Slams Euro Referendum, Govt Feared Unstable

Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos has publicly opposed a vote on the bailout package, bringing into the open the split inside the government.

"Greece's position within the euro area is a historic conquest of the country that cannot be put in doubt. This acquis by the Greek people cannot depend on a referendum," the minister said in a statement.

"What is important is for the sixth tranche to be disbursed, without any distractions or delay, according to the decisions of Euro group of October 26, which came as a result of 10 hours of hard negotiations," said Venizelos in a statement after being released from hospital where he was admitted over health issues.

Warning the Greek people they must vote in favor of the debt package in any referendum, Venizelos said this must be done quickly.

"I traveled to Cannes right after being discharged from the hospital because I think that this was my national duty. Having an immediate picture of the situation in Europe and around the world, I have a duty to tell the Greek people the full and simple truth: If we want to protect the country we must, under conditions of national unity and political seriousness and consensus, implement without any delay the decision of October 26. Now, as soon as possible," he said.

"Internal political balances and the future of individuals and political parties of this country is not what matters. What matters is to save and recover the country through the only doable process which is included in the decision of October 26," said Venizelos.

Venizelos’s vehement opposition to the euro referendum has revealed the deep rift inside Papandreou's government, prompting doom-sayers to warn of its looming collapse.

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