Greek lawmakers approve 2013 austerity budgetNovember 12, 2012 - 09:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Greek lawmakers approved the country's 2013 austerity budget, an essential step in Greece's efforts to persuade its international creditors to unblock a vital rescue loan installment without which the country will go bankrupt, The Associated Press reports. The budget passed by a 167-128 vote in the 300-member parliament. It came days after a separate bill of deep spending cuts and tax hikes for the next two years squeaked through with a narrow majority following severe disagreements among the three parties in the governing coalition. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras pledged that the spending cuts will be the last Greeks have to endure. "Just four days ago, we voted the most sweeping reforms ever in Greece," he said. "The sacrifices (in the earlier bill and the budget) will be the last. Provided, of course, we implement all we have legislated. " "Greece has done what it was asked to do and now is the time for the creditors to make good on their commitments," he stressed. Athens says that with the passage of the two bills, the next loan installment, worth €31.5 billion (about $40 billion), should be disbursed. Without it, the government has said it will run out of cash on Friday, when €5 billion ($6.35 billion) worth of treasury bills mature. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. Moscow says ready to support Yerevan-Baku reconciliation Moscow has confirmed its readiness to support the reconciliation of Yerevan and Baku. Yerevan sends amended draft peace treaty back to Baku According to Ani Badalyan, the 9th edition of the amendment has been sent to Baku. IDBank, Dalma team up for Caucasian Deer Reintroduction Program IDBank has joined Dalma Garden Mall’s Green Challenge to support the Caucasian red deer reintroduction project. |