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Antenna News in English 010796Antenna Radio News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.grNews in English, of 01/07/1996TITLES
FUNERALGreece buried Andreas Papandreou this week. He died of a heart attack at home late last Saturday night.On Wednesday afternoon, the former prime minister who had played so prominent a role in Greek politics for three decades was given a state burial. His widow Dimitra Papandreou, his four children and his former wife Margaret Papandreou bade their farewells, taking a final look at the face of the man they had loved and admired. Thousands of other people crowded into the cemetery. They, too, had come to say goodbye. Dimitra Papandreou was heard to say in anguish, "Why are you leaving me alone?" Her grief is personal, but many of those who placed their hopes in Andreas Papandreou over the years feel that they, and Greece, have lost someone irreplaceable. PROCESSIONReferring to his large pre-election rallies, Andreas Papandreou used to say "Big crowd, big passions".Wednesday, there was again a big crowd, again, there was big passion. But this time, the passion was the grief that accompanies the last farewell. BIOGRAPHYAndreas Papandreou will be remembered as one of the most important political figures in modern Greek history.For over three decades he stood at the centre of Greek politics, often dominating the political scene, and rising to power as a champion of democracy, socialism, and Greek foreign policy independence. CONGRESSWith Andreas Papandreou gone, Pasok began the task of choosing a new party president Thursday.Prime minister Kostas Simitis told delegates to Pasok's fourth congress that he will step down as prime minister, if the congress does not elect him party president this weekend. In a speech applauded by some, heckled by others, Mr Simitis supported his candidacy, saying the party and the government must be headed by the same person. TSOCHATZOPOULOSAkis Tsochatzopoulos announced his candidacy for Pasok's presidency at the party congress Friday, reasserting his opposition to the prime minister becoming Pasok president.Tsochatzopoulos told the delegates Mr Simitis has everyone's support as prime minister. But not on Mr Simitis's terms. "Our congress", he said, will elect a president. He won't be prime minister". Tsochatzopoulos expressed the view that there need to be distinct roles for leading party members, and emphasised the need for unity. His proposal, he added, is one which will synthesise views and guarantee the collective nature of the party and its unity. Tsochatzopoulos said no one person can replace Andreas Papandreou. He wants a leadership tribunal set up, comprising Tsochatzopoulos, Mr Simitis, and a party vice president. Tsochatzopoulos also emphasised the legacy of Andreas Papandreou in another way, saying the party cannot start all over. © ANT1-Radio 1996Antenna Radio News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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