(ANSA) - BELGRADE, SEP 3 - The Greek parliament has approved legislation aimed at encouraging the repatriation of people whose asylum applications have been denied and punishing those who remain illegally in the country with a two- to five-year prison sentence. The law was passed with the votes of the governing conservative party, Nea Dimokratia, the ultra-conservative Niki ("victory" in Greek), and several far-right independent MPs, following a heated debate in parliament that began yesterday. According to the Greek Ministry of Immigration, anyone who remains in the country without the right to asylum and the necessary documents will face repatriation or detention for at least 24 months, as well as a €5,000 fine. (ANSA).