12 February 2012 Last updated at 08:01 ET
The Greek parliament has begun to debate an unpopular austerity bill demanded in return for a 130bn-euro ($170bn; £110bn) bailout.

Prime Minister Lucas Papademos has warned that failure to pass the bill would lead to a default that would "set the country on a disastrous adventure".

Some MPs from the governing parties are expected to vote against the bill.

But analysts say the package should still have enough support in parliament to pass.

Pasok, the largest party, and its coalition ally New Democracy - which have both backed the bill - account for more than 230 deputies out of a total of 300.

The debate began in the early afternoon and is expected to carry on into the evening, with the vote not expected until midnight (22:00 GMT).

Thousands of people are expected to gather for a second day running to protest against the measures, and riot police are on high alert.

Greece cannot service its huge debt, and there are fears that a default could endanger Europe's financial stability and even lead to a break-up of the Eurozone.



Article Source : BBC News

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