The weather forecast for today noted rain and storms, strong southern winds and a minimal increase temperature.

Minister of Culture Evaggelos Venizelos.

"The joint belief that Giorgos Papandreou will be the PASOK official to succeed Costas Simitis in the party's leadership, whenever the issue may be raised, was formed some time ago", noted Mr. Venizelos in an interview to the "Eleftherotypia" newspaper.

The Minister of Culture pointed out that democratic procedures and transparency in any changes attempted must be observed, because it is not simply an issue within the party; it is an state and institutional issue that concerns the people.

He stressed that in no case can we consider Costas Simitis a "scapegoat" or a sheep to be sacrificed in order to absolve PASOK, and that the situation must be cleared up as soon as possible because Greece's problems cannot wait. Noted that PASOK must "ap ologize" for its mistakes and shortcomings in applied policies and that it must make corrective moves emphasizing issues of social cohesion and justice.

Mr. Roussopoulos noted that ND had noted shady procedures in arms programs and called the Government Spokesperson to respond to the accusations that have been published.