Greek PM confident about exit from debt crisis

ATHENS, May 18 (Xinhua): Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Sunday voiced confidence about the country's exit from a painful four-year debt crisis, as the first round of local elections got underway.

"In a democratic manner and with unity we are exiting the crisis," the conservative leader said after casting his ballot at the southern Greek city of Pylos.

"This day is dedicated to local administration. I hope peoples' choices of mayors and regional governors will be towards growth, employment and better quality of services for citizens," his socialist co-ruling partner Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos said after casting his vote at the northern city port of Thessaloniki.

About 9.8 million registered citizens are expected in polling stations throughout Sunday for the municipal and regional elections which are considered a first test for the government and opposition parties ahead of the May 25 polls for the European parliament.