Novas Hands In Resignation

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30822, 6 August 1965, Page 11

Novas Hands In Resignation

(NZ. Press Association—Copyright)

ATHENS, August 5.

The government of the Prime Minister, Mr George Athanassiadis-Novas, collapsed early today, deepening the worst political crisis in Greece since World War 11.

The Athens police force went on standby alert to prevent a renewal of the riots that erupted when the crisis broke last month. All leave was cancelled.

Mr Novas, who took office only three weeks ago, went to the Royal Palace to tender his resignation to King Constantine. Consultations on a new Government were expected to begin immediately, with a successor to Mr Novas named by early Saturday at the latest. Political sources predicted the vital post would go to the former Deputy-Premier. Mr Stephen Stefanopoulos, who served under Mr Novas’s predecessor, Mr George Papandreou. For Mr Novas, the end came in a tumultuous session of Parliament highlighted by shouts, insults and a fist fight between two deputies. The vote against him on a motion of confidence was 167131. No Incidents Thousands of Mr Papandreou’s supporters outside Parliament cheered and began to charge the building when the result was announced. Police deftly stepped aside and then channeled the demonstrations into the city area where they dispersed without further incident. Mr Papandreou has vowed he would not enter Parliament again except as Prime Minister. But he made a dramatic appearance last night during the crucial balloting. Deputies Chant His supporters in the Chamber of Deputies rose to their feet and began chanting “Papandreou . . . Papandreou . . . Papandreou.” The elderly statesman’s opponents pounded their desks to demonstrate their disapproval. The Chamber Speaker sought in vain to restore order.

Later Mr Panayotis Kanellopolous, leader of the National Radical Union and a Papandreou opponent, called the incident “an insult to Parliament." Members of Mr Papandreou's Centre Union Party charged Mr Kanellopolous

and a flurry of blows ensued. Other members of Parliament stepped in and broke up the fighting while the Speaker sounded his electric bell in an effort to gain order.