Selection: Michalis Katsigeras

MILITARY CIRCLES: According to reliable military sources, the Army General Staff's ready agreement with the government to abolish the National Security Brigades (TEA) is not justified under the prevailing unstable conditions and was received with understandable surprise in military circles. They added that most military units have repeatedly emphasized in reports the need to keep the TEA, the abolition of which would encourage anarchic elements and create an extremely dangerous situation in regions not controlled by the army. CASINOS: At a meeting chaired by the prime minister, Mr Nikolaos Plastiras (...) it was decided in principle to open casinos on the islands of Rhodes and Corfu and in Loutraki, near Corinth. A special law is to be passed for the purpose. TOURIST DRACHMA: There has been some discussion of establishing a «tourist drachma» for use at the newly established tourist centers. It was clarified that this innovation meant that tourists visiting these centers would be able to exchange their foreign currency for drachmas at a fixed price. PARANOIA: The Livadia war-wounded association is protesting at a decision by the mayor and municipal council of Davleia to force Loukas Bairaktaris to work. Bairaktaris has lost the use of his legs.

The year 2002 is expected to be a challenging one as regards our national issues. The government has to overcome its arrogant demeanor of handling major issues all by itself, and instead to genuinely encourage the active participation of the opposition with the aim of forming a common national front on such issues.