Greek parliament approves foreclosure protection bill

The new framework, part of measures to expedite a clean up of bank balance sheets, was approved by a majority of lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament. It replaces an older scheme which international lenders considered more generous.

Athens hopes that Friday's approval will help the country qualify for the transfer of about 1 billion euros from its euro zone lenders- mainly from profits that euro zone central banks have made on their Greek bond portfolios.