ATHENS - Outgoing Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou reiterated on Monday the country's commitment to the implementation of the EU agreement of further bailout aid to Athens, said a press release issued by his office.

As Papandreou continued negotiations with Greek main opposition party leader Antonis Samaras regarding the composition of the new transition coalition government to proceed with efforts to address the debt crisis, he briefed European leaders on the developments in Athens.

"In telephone conversations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Eurogroup Head Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, the premier stressed that the new government's main task is the fulfillment of obligations under the October 26 EU aid bailout deal before the holding of early national polls," said the statement.

"The German chancellor expressed her respect to the efforts undertaken by the prime minister and Greece, noting that the agreement on the coalition government was a positive development that safeguards the country's course," added the statement.