Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-05-27

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis stresses �zero tolerance' policy vis-a-vis judicial corruption

[02] President Papoulias says Sunday's European constitution referendum in France crucial

[01] Karamanlis stresses �zero tolerance' policy vis-a-vis judicial corruption

Karamanlis, who rode to a landslide election victory in March 2004 on a campaign platform that included high-profile pledges to eradicate public sector corruption and influence-peddling by vested interests, made the statement in Thessaloniki while addressing an event hosted by the National Academy of Justices.

The prime minister called on the school's graduates to serve their profession "with faith and devotion, without cutting corners and compromises".

His comments come amid an ongoing investigation of an alleged trial-fixing and parole-fixing ring that operated over the past decade. So far the inquiry has resulted in the cashiering of a handful of first instance judges and criminal charges against justices, trial attorneys, court clerks and even a controversial mid-level cleric.

He nevertheless added that the vast majority of judicial officials honor their oath, while the entire justice system cannot be stained by a few exceptions.

In outlining his government's priorities for the sector, Karamanlis mentioned a modernisation of its operation, speedier proceedings and safeguarding its autonomy.

[02] President Papoulias says Sunday's European constitution referendum in France crucial

Speaking to members of the European Journalists Union, who visited him at the Presidential Mansion, President Papoulias spoke of a very important moment in European affairs.

He said there is a great question as to which will the repercussions be from a negative response by the French people to the future of Europe and when the referendum in the Netherlands is also impending.

President Papoulias said the role of journalists and the role of objective information is magnified, because an active citizen is a well-informed citizen.

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