Greek PM formally requests early general elections

Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras visited outgoing Greek President Karolos Papoulias on Tuesday to formally request the dissolution of the parliament and the call of early general elections for January 25, after the failure of lawmakers on Monday to elect the next head of state.

"I wish the best for the country," Papoulias said when Samaras stressed that the snap polls were "unnecessary", pose risks for Greece and Greek people did not want them.

"Greece's position in Europe is at stake," the conservative Premier said, accusing the main opposition Radical Left SYRIZA party of serving party interests by pushing for the conduction of polls at such a crucial time when Greece had started exiting the severe five- year debt crisis.

According to the latest opinion surveys, SYRIZA which calls for a tougher renegotiation of bailout terms with international lenders, holds a small lead over Samaras' party.

Papoulias was expected to issue a presidential decree within Tuesday or Wednesday ordering the dissolution of the assembly and setting the date of elections.

Greece heads to national elections after the parliament failed during Monday's third and final voting round in two weeks to elect Papoulias' successor. Under the Greek Constitution in such a case the next President is elected by the new parliament once it convenes after the snap polls.

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