Greek PM eyes recovery as lawmakers approve budget

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Saturday said the country was on the verge of economic recovery as lawmakers approved a new round of pay cuts and tax hikes for 2017. "(Next year) will be a milestone in taking the country out of crisis, and this is the first budget of optimism, growth and recovery," Tsipras told parliament. The PM said he was confident that a crucial EU-IMF reforms audit could conclude despite certain "absurd" demands.