Vervroegde verkiezingen in Griekenland (en)

The Greek Premier Costas Simitis announced early elections in Greece as he confirmed he will step down as leader of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (Pasok).

Mr Simitis is one of the politicians mentioned for the post of Commission President.

The new party leader of Pasok is expected to be Foreign Minister George Papandreou - a step which could see him become the next prime minister.

Mr Simitis, 67, said he would remain prime minister until the 7 March election, which was brought forward to enable a new government to reach a settlement on the division of Cyprus.

Pressure has mounted for an agreement on this issue as the island joins the EU next May.

However, Pasok currently trails the opposition conservative New Democracy party in opinion polls.

Greek voters are dissatisfied with the increase in prices and perceived corruption within the governing party, the Guardian reports.