PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL
Greek lawmakers have given final approval to a tough austerity law. The cost-cutting agreement reduces wages and hikes taxes as the country tries to avoid bankruptcy and secure the next bailout payment.
The vote passed by 154 to 144, but it wasn't an easy vote says lawmaker Louka Katseli.
SOUNDBITE: GOVERNING PARTY MEMBER LOUKA KATSELI (GREEK WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION) SAYING:
"I fully realize the responsibility we have to support the government in its negotiations, and that is why I voted for the bill in principle, despite the reservations I stated to the parliamentary group for several articles, as well as proposals for improvement."
The vote prevailed even though 70,000 Greeks took to the streets in a second day of protests. Violence once again erupted, continuing into the night, with at least 74 people were taken to the hospital. That violence continued even as Germany and France said a solution to Europe's debt crisis will be discussed this weekend, but fell short of promising a decision.
Conway Gittens, Reuters
