Greek PM suggests party referendum to overcome split in Syriza

In a speech to Syriza's central committee, Tsipras said a decision on the party's strategy should not be made in a hurry but proposed a referendum on Sunday if needed.

"I propose to the central committee to hold an emergency congress to discuss being in power as leftists, our strategy in the face of bailout conditions," he told the party.

"But there is another view, which is respected, that doesn't accept the government's analysis and believes there was an alternative available in the early morning hours of July 13," Tsipras said, referring to the day he accepted the bailout agreement to avoid a Greek euro zone exit.

"If this is the case....then I suggest the party hold a referendum on this crucial question."

(Reporting by Renee Maltezou, Writing by Deepa Babington)