Greek parliament OKs 2013 budget

ATHENS, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Greece's parliament on early Monday approved the 2013 budget law, which included further austerity measures to secure fresh tranch of bailout from the debt-ridden country's international creditors.

A total of 167 lawmakers voted in favor of the budget which introduces a fresh round of spending cuts, 128 against and four cast blank votes with 299 MPs present in the 300-member parliament during the roll call vote which was broadcast live on local television stations.

The crucial midnight ballot followed the approval of a new package of austerity and reform measures of 13.5 billion euros (17.1 billion U.S. dollars) for 2013-2014 in a similar tumultuous debate on early Thursday, with a slim majority of 153 votes amid growing dissent inside and outside the parliament.

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