World Notes GREECE

His open romance with a younger woman has already earned him a national tongue-lashing, but there seems to be no end to the abuse Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou is willing to suffer in the name of love. While in London awaiting open-heart surgery, Papandreou, 69, announced last week that he would seek a divorce from Margaret, his American-born wife of 37 years, when he returns to Athens. In Britain the Greek leader has been photographed holding hands with Olympic Airways Flight Attendant Dimitra Liani, 34.

Papandreou's announcement came only 48 hours after his wife hit him over the head with a political frying pan by issuing a statement blaming "those circles who have been in close contact with him" for his illness. The divorce is seen as an effort by the Prime Minister to put the scandal behind him before next year's national elections.