Dombrovskis names new ruling coalition

RIGA 's IncomingPrime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has said that the new ruling coalition willconsist of five parties 's New Era, the People's Party, the Green's and FarmersUnion, For Fatherland and Freedom and the recently formed Civic Union.

Latvia'sFirst Party/Latvia's Way, the party of outgoing Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis,will not be represented in the new government. Godmanis said this does notmean, however, that the party will stand in opposition to ruling coalitiondecisions.

"We in the party are people that have worked in several governments, wehave experience and we are aware of the seriousness of the present situationand the necessity to resolve it fast. If the new government succeeds in this, Iwill be glad," Godmanis said in an interview with public radio.

Despite criticism that the new coalition was too similar to the old one, theincoming prime minister said that the candidates would be the best choices forthe posts.

"Such composition of the government will contribute new faces and wouldalso ensure continuity of the previous government," said Dombrovskis.

THE NEW CABINET

Finance Ministry: Former Prime Minister Einars Repse, New Era

Economy Ministry: MP Artis Kampars, New Era

Transport Ministry: Outgoing Economy Minister Kaspars Gerhards, ForFatherland and Freedom

Foreign Ministry: Current Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, People's Party

Interior Ministry: Former Defense Minister Linda Murniece, New Era

Justice Ministry: Outgoing Interior Minister Mareks Seglins

Agriculture Ministry: Piebalgas Alus Chairman Janis Duklavs, non-partisan

Welfare Ministry: Welfare Ministry parliamentary Secretary Uldis Augulis

Regional Affairs: Current Regional Affairs Minister Edgars Zalans, People'sParty

Health Ministry: Current Health Minister Ivars Eglitis, People's Party

Environment Ministry: Current Environment Minister Raimonds Vejonis, Greensand Farmers Union

Education Ministry: Current Education Minister Tatajana Koke, Greens andFarmers Union

Defense Ministry: Ambassador to SpainImants Liegis, Civic Union

Culture Ministry: candidate not yet announced, People's Party