Prime Minister Lucas Papademos paid an unscheduled visit to President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Friday, as the puzzle on how to form a new Greek government was starting to look increasingly insoluble.

"I have come to brief you on developments in the economy, the financial system and international markets, as well as issues of economic and foreign policy that require immediate attention," Papademos said as he arrived at the presidential mansion and was met by the president.

The meeting ended about an hour and 15 meetings later, with no statements from either side.

According to sources at the prime minister's office, the meeting was arranged to discuss all major issues that have arisen in the process of talks for forming a coalition government, as well as the increasingly likely prospect of a meeting between the president and all the political party leaders if PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos also fails to cobble together a coalition with PASOK and eventually, another round of general elections.