Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis dissolved on Friday the country's legislature and called early parliamentary elections on September 16.

In a televised address, Karamanlis asked the voters to back the reform agenda of his conservative government at next month's polls.

Among the reform priorities outlined by Karamanlis are the touchy issue of pensions, education and the fight against corruption.

With speculation mounting in recent months, the conservatives decided to hold early elections while still ahead of the Socialists in opinion polls.

The Parliament's term was due to expire in spring.

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