MOSCOW Russia's Lower House of Parliament passed on Wednesday in a crucial second reading a bill on fighting money laundering, part of government attempts to avoid potentially humiliating international sanctions.

The State Duma passed the bill with 237 deputies in favor and 43 against. The second reading is key as the third can include only minor changes. The bill then has to be passed by the Upper House and then be signed by President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported.

The debate was given added urgency last month when the financial action task force, an international agency devoted to fighting legalization of criminally obtained funds, criticized Russia and threatened financial restrictions by the end of September if steps were not taken to fight money laundering.