Galery

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Anastasia Balezdrova

"I am truly sorry that New Democracy and PASOK tactical games continue to be played before the President of the Republic," said the leader of the right wing party LAOS, George Karatzaferis, angrily, shortly after the meeting of party leaders in the presidential building. There, the name of the new Prime Minister of the Republic was supposed to be discussed and announced.

Karatzaferis was isolated from the meeting in a separate room and his words showed that George Papandreou and Antonis Samaras had met President Carlos Papoulias without him. They had agreed that the new interim coalition government should be headed by parliament president Filippos Petsalnikos and left out Karatzaferis as a fait accompli. Many people do not welcome Petsalnikos' candidacy because he is a close associate of George Papandreou and actually, there would be no major change in the direction of government policy, analysts state.

"I will not accept the nomination of anyone but Lucas Papademos," LAOS leader told reporters after leaving the presidential building prematurely. Meanwhile, it became clear that Antonis Samaras had said he would approve any name offered.