Evangelos Venizelos

To Potami leader Stavros Theodorakis said Thursday that his party would back any agreement between the government and the institutions, while PASOK chief Evangelos Venizelos suggested that PASOK would be willing to be part of the coalition responsible for implementing this deal.

Former socialist PASOK ministers Vaso Papandreou and Yiannos Papantoniou are taking the stand at the trial of former PASOK defence minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos who is appealing against his 20-year conviction on charges of criminal action in the purchase of German type 214 submarines and money laundering.

Former Prime Minister Costas Simitis and PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos on Wednesday both heaped heavy criticism on former Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, appearing as witnesses at the latter?s appeal trial against his lengthy sentence for money laundering.

Former socialist minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos’ trial for defense procurements and money-laundering began again on Wednesday following an adjournment last month. Former socialist PASOK prime minister Costas Simitis and the current socialist PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos to the stand to testify ahead of the five-membered Felony Appeal Court.

Former Prime Minister Costas Simitis and current PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos are due to be among the witnesses to take to the stand on Wednesday in the appeal of ex-Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos against his sentence for money laundering.

Former socialist ministers Vasso Papandreou and Yiannos Papantoniou are due to testify on May 20.

PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos confirmed in a TV interview late on Monday that he intends to step down from the party?s presidency next month.

?My term will end at the party congress,? he said in reference to the gathering planned for June 5 to 7.

The leadership vote is due to take place on June 14.

New Democracy and PASOK walked out of Parliament on Tuesday before MPs passed the government?s proposed changes to the public administration, including the rehiring of civil servants sacked by the previous coalition.

By Alexis Papachelas

Greece’s political leaders are attending Greek Orthodox Easter events at their home towns with friends and family members.

Defense Minister Panos Kammenos defended his decision to sign a 500-million-euro contract to upgrade five P-3B Orion aircraft. The story saw the light of day on Sunday's Proto Thema and has stirred controversy bearing in mind the fact that this is the largest arms investment in the last five years and comes at a time when Greece is struggling financially.