(LISBON) - The Portuguese parliament rejected Thursday a demand from four parties for the ratification of the new EU reform treaty by referendum.

Almost all MPs from the ruling Socialist party and the main opposition Social Democrat party rejected the motion, tabled by four parties including the Greens and the communists.

Prime Minister Jose Socrates said last month the treaty would be ratified by parliamentary vote.

The treaty is the successor of the failed proposed European constitution which was rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005. It is intended to come into force after it is ratified by all EU member countries.

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