Greek outgoing Prime Minister Costas Simitis officially tendered his resignation to President Costis Stephanopoulos on Monday, paving the way for the newly-elected New Democracy (ND) government of Costas Karamanlis.  

"The new government will respond to the demands of the Greek people in the interests of the country", Simitis said acknowledging defeat in Sunday's Greek general election.

"Good luck to New Democracy and the task it is undertaking," Simitis said, adding that he would continue his duties until the new government was sworn in on Tuesday.

Karamanlis is due to call on President Costis Stephanopoulos to receive a mandate to form a government once outgoing Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis has briefed the president on the composition of the new 300-member parliament.

With 97.79 percent votes counted, ND has already secured victory with 45.38 percent of the vote taking 165 seats in the parliament.

ND's main rival, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) under the leadership of former Foreign Minister George Papandreou, attained 40.57 percent of the vote and 117 seats in the parliament.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Radical Left Coalition secured 5.88 percent and 12 seats, 3.25 percent and 6 seats respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2004)