DHAKA: Greece's parliament has backed a government package of economic reforms aimed at ending the country's debt crisis and securing a new bailout.

After a late-night debate, PM Alexis Tsipras won overwhelming cross-party support but saw some of his own MPs vote against him or abstain, reports bbc.

Earlier, he admitted that some elements of the package fell short of his party's anti-austerity promises.

The proposals are to be studied by eurozone finance ministers later.

EU sources says Greece's creditors - the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund - believe the plan is positive.

Eurozone officials are also expected to discuss Greek requests for some of the debt to be rescheduled.

In total, 251 MPs voted "Yes", 32 voted "No" and eight called "Present" - effectively abstaining. Nine deputies were absent.

Among the members of Tsipras's own Syriza party who abstained were Parliament Speaker Zoe Constantopoulou and Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis.

Tsipras is asking for €53.5bn ($59.47bn) to cover Greece's debts until 2018.

BDST: 1142 HRS, JULY 11, 2015
RS