The Greek government does not want to speak of an impasse in negotiations; creditors’ demands are harsh, the mandate given to the government by the people is clear and efforts will continue, government spokesman Gavriil Sakellaridis said on Monday. He said that the government’s next steps will be decided at the political negotiation group meeting that is currently underway. A deal will be reached, he estimated, because “the opposite would not be in either side’s interests.” Moreover, Sakellaridis predicted that the European Central Bank’s board will not make a decision that will hurt Greek banks in the midst of the negotiation and thanked the Greek people for staying calm despite the “cries for the opposite.” He said that the possibility of a referendum or snap elections is not on the table and noted that the government has fresh popular mandate for a four-year term in office. Finally, the spokesman announced that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will leave for St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 8, in accordance with his schedule. (source: ana-mpa)