Greece clears final reform hurdle before new bailout talks

ATHENS, Greece — Greek lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a new batch of reforms demanded by the country's international creditors in return for a third multi-billion euro bailout.

The vote followed a whirlwind debate that ended at 4 a.m. Thursday (0100 GMT).

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras once again suffered a revolt among his own radical left lawmakers, but had no trouble passing the draft legislation with the backing of pro-European opposition parties.

The reforms were the final prerequisite before Greece can start negotiations with creditors on a third bailout worth around 85 billion euros ($93 billion).