The Minister of National Defense and Independence Greeks (ANEL) leader Panos Kammenos spoke of Greece’s alternative plans in case funding from Europe is suspended, in a Monday night interview to Mega Channel.

Mr. Kammenos explained that in the even of the Greek government being unable to come to an agreement with its partners, it would seek funding “from the USA, Russia, China or other countries”. The ANEL leader stressed that the government is “very serious” in the ongoing negotiations and is not willing to back down from the red lines it has drawn. He clarified however that the government’s pursuit is to come to an agreement, with Mr. Kammenos expressing his optimism of a solution.

When asked about the possibility of a “Grexit”, Mr, Kammenos responded that the threat of a Greek departure from the Eurozone is “an unsubstantiated threat… just like the boogie man”. Mr. Kammenos then asserted that the debt is unsustainable and that a write off is necessary, irrespective of how it occurs and is named.

Regarding the coalition with SYRIZA, the National Defense Minister reported that it was “the demand of the Greek people” and explained that in the previous Parliament both parties agreed in 80% of votes in parliament, which he opined was “enough to put forward what unites us so the country can be governed”. He dismissed rumors that the coalition agreement was made prior to the elections, but admitted to talks with PM and SYRIZA president Alexis Tsipras, who had declared his intention to cooperate with other parties, even if he received a ruling majority.

The National Defense Minister categorically denied bargaining for Ministries and clarified that he was never interested in the position of government VP. He added that the ANEL officers appointed in the coalition government were personally selected and revealed that he spoke with Mr. Tsipras on a daily basis.

Mr. Kammenos noted that he had differences with SYRIZA on a number of subjects, such as the proposed abolition of the controversial “Type C” high security prison facilities, which the Minister of Justice recently announced in Parliament. Mr. Kammenos also stated that the Haikalis case would not close.