Friday, August 17, 2007


National Greek issues in Balkan, goes greek politic parties to anticipate elections

Photo: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis (L) with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias at the presidential mansion in Athens on Friday, Aug. 17, 2007. ANA-MPA Karamanlis explains reasons for snap Sept. 16 elections
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Friday called on President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and formally asked him to declare general elections on Sept. 16. Karamanlis made nationally televised statements just after 2 p.m. (12 GMT) to explain the reasons for the snap election, where he cited a bevy of announced draft bills and constitutional revision as the main reasons for seeking a new mandate. Karamanlis, who called on Papoulias immediately after an extroardinary Cabinet meeting at noon, explained that the specific date had also been chosen so that "the new government will have ample time to draft the (2008) budget". "I adamantly believe that the citizens desire the continuation of the changtes and reforms, with a new momentum and new speed," Karamanlis told the last Cabinet meeting of his New Democracy (ND) government, adding that it was a national necessity, and his obligation, to seek the renewal of the people's mandate.

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