Greek Parliament confers award on LS Speaker

New Delhi, Sep 26: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who is currently leading a delegation of Parliamentarians to Greece, was today conferred the the " Gold Medal" of the Hellenic Parliament.

According to a Lok Sabha release issued here today, the award was given on the occasion of the "Celebration of 150th year of Constitutional life" as token of esteem and recognition of friendship, between the two countries.

The award was presented by Professor Anna Benaki, President of the Hellenic Parliament, at the Parliament House, Athens. The members of the Indian delegation and MPs belongng to Indo-Greece Friendship group were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occation, Prof Benaki said that both countries have long tradition of democracy and care for human rights. There is a closer co-operation between the two countries and such exchanges would further enhance the mutual co-operation, she added.

Mr Chatterjee said that it was a privilege to be conferred this award, which he accepted on behalf of the parliament of India, from the mother of democracy to a largest democracy, which the people were evolving according to their needs. Thanking Greece for extending co-operation to India in international fora, he also conveyed his thanks for a warm hospitality estended to the group by the Hellenic parliament.

UNI