Finnish PM:Greek referendum an unpleasant surprise

Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen said the Greek plans to hold a referendum over the recently agreed bailout deal were an unexpected and negative turn of events, Finnish media reported on Tuesday. Katainen made his comments at the session of the Nordic Council in Copenhagen on Tuesday. Katainen said that the decision could have damaging repercussions for European stability. He said that he has been in touch with leaders around Europe since the news came and that it has taken everyone by surprise. EU leaders agreed on a rescue package for Greece only last week after difficult negotiations, but Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has announced on Monday evening that he will leave the fate of the bailout in the hands of voters. The intention to hold a referendum has provoked worries that this will throw the Europe into crisis. According to the latest opinion polls, a majority of Greeks are opposed to the bailout and to the austerity measures that come with the package. "I'm afraid of the worst--that this will cause instability in the eurozone and partially impede the positive developments that last Sunday's eurozone-level decisions could have brought about," Katainen said. "It is not a pleasant surprise. Uncertainty breeds more uncertainty, and these are uncertain times as it is," he added.