Greek conservatives begin hunt for governing partners

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece's conservative leader began a frantic hunt on Monday for partners to forge a coalition that protects the country's place in the euro zone after angry voters savaged the two ruling parties for imposing harsh wage and spending cuts.

President Karolos Papoulias summoned New Democracy party leader Antonist Samaras to talks at 12 p.m British time, where he is expected to be given a mandate to try and form a new government - a daunting task given the strong electoral showing of anti-bailout parties.