Greece: Kammenos thanks Russia and the Orthodox people

Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos thanked Russian and the Orthodox people, while speaking to journalists in Athens, Sunday. His remarks come after he cast his vote in an unprecedented referendum whether to accept to the bailout terms imposed by Greece's creditors. Kammenos went on to note that "Russia is not the enemy" and assured that Russia and Greece are "brother countries." Polls indicate a very close contest. Almost 9.9 million are eligible to vote in the plebiscite, with polls open for twelve hours from 0700-1900. The first results are expected to be called around 21.00 local time (18.00 GMT), with counting ongoing through the night. The Greek government closed the country's banks on Monday, as well as imposing limits on cash withdrawals until July 6. A 'No' vote by the Greek people would reject new austerity measures that are demanded by Greece's creditors, while a 'Yes' would accept the institutions' conditions for a new Greek bailout package. Banks have €1 billion ($1.1bn) left before liquidity runs out, enough for each Greek resident to withdraw €90 ($100), the head of Greek Banks Union told reporters. Emergency funds are therefore required from the ECB on Monday, irrespective of the result of the plebiscite. Shortages in basic provisions have been reported nationally. The estimated cost of the referendum, capital controls and bank closures on the Greek economy is €1.2 billion ($1.3bn), a number that will have to be added to Greek debt in some form.