In Brief
FAMILY ALLOWANCES
Both spouses should benefit if either works for the State, audit council says The State should pay family allowance to both spouses if either one works for the public sector, the State Audit Council found in a decision made public this weekend, declaring that a current law restricting the payment of family allowance to just one spouse goes against constitutional provisions defending equality and the family. Plaka fire A fire which broke out on Saturday morning in a building at the junction of Mnisicleous and Lysiou streets in the central Athenian district of Plaka damaged a church, two houses and two restaurants – including the Eden – after strong winds fanned the blaze. The narrow streets in the densely built-up area impeded the efforts of firemen to effectively position 11 fire engines but the blaze was finally extinguished two hours later. Cyprus claim A Cypriot businessman has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights against Turkey for the lost use of his 170 properties in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus, reports said this weekend. Akis Lordos – who owns hotels and land in Famagusta, Keryneia and Karpasia in the occupied north – said he is not giving up his ownership rights but wants compensation for the time during which his property has lain idle. Football clashes Ten people were injured and as many arrested yesterday after Olympiakos fans clashed with Xanthi supporters ahead of an afternoon match at the home ground of the northern city’s football team. Several hundred rival supporters pelted each other with stones after Olympiakos fans ransacked the Xanthi club offices. The fighting escalated as rival fans battled each other with chairs and road signs. Visiting fans said there was little police presence. Olympiakos won the match, 2-1. Car blast An attack on a jeep parked on Sina Street in the central Athens district of Kolonaki on Saturday night was carried out using a homemade explosive device consisting of gas canisters tied together, said police yesterday. The fire service extinguished a blaze which damaged the jeep and one other car. Senior diplomats of the Greek and Turkish foreign ministries meet in Ankara to discuss the framework of talks aimed at settling disputes.
