FEBRUARY 13, 1952
KKE ATTACKS PLASTIRAS: The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) issued a statement yesterday that was broadcast on the outlaws’ radio station. The KKE declared that it had offered its support to Prime Minister Nikolaos Plastiras in the elections. It added, however, that aside from that offer, «the KKE has no particular relationship with Plastiras, who himself had made personal contact with the KKE when he believed that it would further his own partisan interests.» The statement referred to Plastiras as «democracy’s Judas.» PLASTIRAS ATTACKS KKE: In reply, Mr Plastiras made the following statement: «Everyone, both Greeks and foreigners, know that the bandits’ radio station does nothing but attack me and brand me as the number one enemy of communism. Since we closed the communist newspapers and are about to dissolve the United Democratic Left as offshoots of communism, the bandits have embarked on a campaign of broadcasting non-existent news.» WARSAW – France’s European affairs minister yesterday moved to dispel suspicion that Paris would try to hold up EU enlargement in order for Bulgaria and Romania to join, but said there should be a clear timetable for their admission. «We are aware that neither Bulgaria nor Romania is ready to join from 2004,» Pierre Moscovici told journalists during a one-day visit to Poland. «But we would like Bulgaria and Romania to be offered a clear timetable and the possibility of accession clearly visible,» he added. French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine in November sparked fears that Paris would try to hold up enlargement of the EU by up to 10 members in 2004 when he suggested the body should simultaneously take in all 12 candidates. (AFP)
