Tsipras, addressing parliament, calls for `emphatic no` to creditor proposals

Athens: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called in a speech to parliament Saturday for an "emphatic no to the ultimatum" issued by the country`s creditors in a bailout referendum proposed by his government for July 5.

Addressing lawmakers before a vote on whether to hold the proposed referendum, Tsipras said he expected "the Greek people will say an emphatic no to the ultimatum but at the same time a big yes to European solidarity". He also expressed confidence that "in the aftermath of this proud no, the negotiating power of the country will be strengthened" with the country`s EU-IMF creditors.