NEWS

Swords cross over ex-king

The government and opposition clashed yesterday over the former’s treatment of former king Constantine, a day after Constantine said he wanted to return to Greece and to use the 12 million euros given to him in compensation for property confiscated to create a foundation for the needy. Government spokesman Christos Protopappas insisted yesterday that Constantine was not a Greek. «He must register on the municipal rolls; he must take a surname – whichever one he wants – and swear allegiance to the political system,» he said. He added that the New Democracy party should decide where it stood regarding the former king, after ND’s honorary chairman, Constantine Mitsotakis, said Constantine had been «absolutely right» to attack the government for its treatment of him. Mitsotakis also said that the government and Prime Minister Costas Simitis personally, were attacking «a person who is not present and is defenseless.» «I realize that New Democracy is facing problems from its pro-monarchist faction, but it should take a stand, rather than have one foot in each camp,» Protopappas rejoined.

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