World

On the eve of Parliament's climactic vote last week, former Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou made a rare appearance on the podium. But instead of defending himself against corruption charges stemming from a $210 million bank-embezzlement scandal, he went on the offensive, charging that his accusers were motivated by "mudslinging" and acted out of "political self- interest." The strategy failed to prevent an indictment. By a largely partisan vote of 166 to 121, the legislators ordered Papandreou, 70, to stand trial later this year before a special court on three felony charges -- taking bribes, accepting the proceeds of a crime, and breach of faith.

Ousted from office last June in an election dominated by corruption charges, Papandreou still heads Greece's Socialist Party. Following last week's decision on Papandreou, the coalition government of the conservative New Democracy Party and the Alliance of the Left decided to dissolve Parliament this week and hold new elections on Nov. 5. Papandreou has vowed to seek re- election to his seat.