Eurozone torn on post-referendum Greece

Amid growing concerns of Greece's future in the eurozone, Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said he would step down if the "yes" vote won in Sunday's referendum on a proposal put forth by Greece's creditors - European Commission, European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Responding to a question on whether he would still be finance minister on Monday if the "yes" vote won, Varoufakis said, "I will not," during an interview on Bloomberg TV.

When asked whether Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras would also step down, he said: "When you go into battle, you don't talk about defeat," but added that the government "may very well" resign.

Varoufakis' comments come amid a major push by Tsipras and his ruling party - Syriza - for a "no" vote at the referendum.

According to Tsipras, a "no" on Sunday would provide the Greek government a stronger position in negotiating its bailout program with its creditors.

"Come Monday, the Greek government will be at the negotiating table after the referendum with better terms for the Greek people," Tsipras said.

'Difficult situation'

However, Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Thursday that a "no" vote would not lead to an improved negotiating position and would, instead, put Greece and Europe in a "very difficult position," reported Reuters news agency.

Addressing Dutch parliament, Dijsselbloem, who is also the Netherlands' finance minister, said that the referendum referred to documents that had "no relevance" since Greece's bailout program expired on June 30.

Meanwhile, Spain and France have continued to voice support for post-referendum negotiations that would ensure Greece's inclusion in the eurozone, whether or not a "yes" vote wins on Sunday.

Luis de Guindos, Spain's economy minister, said that "if the 'no' vote wins, we will continue to be open to talks," reported the Associated Press news agency.

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin also voiced support for Greece's inclusion in the eurozone despite the referendum's results.

"We are committed to avoid a catastrophe for Greece and difficulties for Europe and France," Sapin said.

ls/kms (AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa)