Germany today approved its share of the huge euro-zone rescue package.

The lower house of parliament voted 319-73 with 195 abstentions in favour of the plan.

Representatives of Germany's 16 states raised no objections in the upper house later - meaning that the chamber passed the bill.

It now goes to President Horst Koehler for his signature - expected to be a formality.

The 750 billion euro package was drawn up two weeks ago.

Germany, Europe's biggest economy, will contribute between 123 billion and 147.6 billion euros in loan guarantees.

It comes soon after a separate package to rescue Greece - which was already unpopular, given that Germans dislike the idea of paying for others' financial problems.

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