Greek parliament ratifies Lisbon Treaty

12/06/2008

ATHENS, Greece -- By a wide majority Wednesday (June 11th), parliament ratified the Lisbon Treaty, the document that replaces the proposed EU Constitution rejected in referendums by France and the Netherlands in 2005. Of 292 lawmakers present, 250 voted in favour, 42 voted against, and eight were absent. The majority included members of the ruling New Democracy party and the opposition PASOK. Lawmakers from the Communist Party, the Radical Left coalition and the far-right Popular Orthodox Rally voted against and insisted on a referendum. Greece became the 18th EU member to adopt the text. To take effect on January 1st 2009, the Lisbon Treaty must be ratified by all 27 EU member states. (Kathimerini, Naftemporiki - 12/06/08; ANA-MPA, AFP, RIA Novosti, Xinhua, DPA - 11/06/08)

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