Finland’s parliament approves 2nd Greek bailoutFebruary 29, 2012 - 18:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Finland’s Parliament on Wednesday, February 29 approved a new €130 billion ($175 billion) rescue package for Greece after opposition parties had presented a motion of no-confidence in the government, AP reported. The Finnish vote followed approval by Dutch and German lawmakers earlier this week, making the adoption of the rescue plan increasingly likely. Lawmakers voted 111-72 in favor of the bailout, Greece’s second in less than two years. Seventeen legislators abstained or were absent. Finland’s approval had been expected as the six-party coalition commands a clear majority in the 200-member Parliament with 124 lawmakers. It was the third vote of no-confidence the conservative-led government has survived since it took office in June. Last week, Finland and Greece agreed on terms for Athens to provide collateral on the Nordic country’s estimated €2.3 billion share of the bailout package by the 17-member eurozone and the IMF. Finland has traditionally been a keen supporter of European Union policies and institutions. However, the rise of the anti-bailout, populist The Finns party, whose support surged in elections last year, has brought pressure on the ruling coalition to tone down its EU enthusiasm. The government has decided to demand collateral in future bailouts and has said it opposes qualified majority decision making in the bloc, fearing it could be forced to pay out more to ailing partners against its will. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |