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Greece's parliament set to approve new bailout deal

Other News Materials 20 March 2012 13:42 (UTC +04:00)
The Greek parliament is set Tuesday to approve conditions for receiving a second package of emergency loans worth 130 billion euros (171 billion dollars), dpa reported.
Greece's parliament set to approve new bailout deal

The Greek parliament is set Tuesday to approve conditions for receiving a second package of emergency loans worth 130 billion euros (171 billion dollars), dpa reported.

It is not yet determined what time lawmakers will vote on the bailout deal, or whether they will simply pass it in a proclamation. Some opposition is expected, with Communist party supporters planning to hold rallies against the austerity measures proscribed under the plan.

The deal, which also include sweeping government spending cuts, is expected to pass easily with the support of the Socialist PASOK party and conservative New Democracy.

Both parties make up the coalition government under technocrat Prime Minister Lucas Papademos.

The coalition government, which was formed in November, was given the task of securing the new bailout deal, as well as a deal with private lenders on a 100-billion-euro debt writedown.

Government spokesperson Pantelis Kapsis on Tuesday said Papademos is expected, by the end of next week, to schedule national elections, after having fulfilled his mission.

Communist party organisers are against the deal, which will result in benefits being slashed and layoffs in the public sector, as well as the privatization of state companies.

The rallies will take place in Athens, the northern port city of Thessaloniki and other cities around the country will start at 6:30 pm (1630 GMT).

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