The negotiations between Greece and its creditors were “never a game of poker” according to the general secretary of international affairs with the Greek Foreign Ministry, and Syriza official, George Tsipras.

Speaking with Newstalk Lunchtime, Mr Tsipras said Sunday’s proposed referendum on accepting the bailout terms would still go ahead, despite news this afternoon of the Greek government acceding to many of its creditors’ demands, with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras having written to the Troika saying his government will accept terms published by the European Commission on Sunday – with some amendments.

“For us it was never a game of poker,” said Mr George Tsipras.

“This is what was written in many newspapers but it was never the truth,” he said, adding that he felt the blame for the delays in negotiations rested more with the creditors than with the Greek negotiators.

Sunday’s referendum is still scheduled to take place, according to George Tsipras.

“We’re open to any initiative or proposal that can get us close to some kind of agreement,” he said.

“We want an agreement but until now we have nothing in or hands so we go on towards the referendum. The referendum will be held on Sunday.”

He added that he believes that a rejection of the bailout terms would send a message “that the Greek people cannot afford any more recession and austerity policies.”