Prague - Czech leaders began a series of meetings Friday in an effort to find a solution to the political crisis that hit the country half-way through its presidency of the European Union.

While the leaders of the two major parties want to steer the country towards early elections, the president appears to prefer them to form a new cabinet based on consensus.

The three-party centre-right cabinet of Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek resigned Thursday, just two days after it lost a no-confidence vote in parliament, a result of domestic political squabbles.

On Wednesday, Klaus presented his conditions for a new premier, effectively pushing Topolanek's party into making a deal with its bitter foes, the opposition Social Democrats, who initiated the confidence vote.

Klaus said he would appoint a politician who secures a lower-house majority based on political consensus. He said he would not agree to a cabinet backed by unreliable independent lawmakers, who had earlier defected from either coalition or opposition ranks.

In an acknowledgment that such a solution is highly unlikely, Topolanek reiterated that he would prefer snap elections.

On Friday, Social Democratic leader Jiri Paroubek joined Topolanek's call.

After meeting the president, Paroubek said he wanted to garner support for a bill to dissolve parliament, a step which would require a majority of 120 votes in the 200-seat chamber.

If this happens, the polls could take place in the autumn at the earliest, according to political scientist Tomas Lebeda of the Palacky University in the city of Olomouc.

While personal animosities have a potential to hamper any talks between Topolanek and Paroubek, some analysts say that a joint desire for early elections may enable them to bridge their differences.

"If the president pushes for a solution that suits him it may unite them," said political scientist Jan Kubacek, who lectures at the Prague-based Charles University. (dpa)