Vilnius - The four parties that will form the next Lithuanian coalition government launched talks in the capital, Vilnius, Tuesday aimed at drawing up a program for their four-year term.

Nine days after their first informal get-together on election night, the four leaders are believed to be formalising their alliance by means of two documents: one detailing the most urgent measures facing the new administration and another outlining an intended legislative program over a full parliamentary term.

Leader of the Homeland Union - Christian Democrats, Andrius Kubilius, heads the party that won the most seats in parliament during two rounds of elections on October 12 and 26 and has been asked to form a government by President Valdas Adamkus. Kubilius looks certain to become prime minister for a second time.

Kubilius has previously stated that his first actions in government will be to tackle a sharp economic downturn in Lithuania by reforming the tax system, restructuring public finances and tackling corruption.

The coalition will present its proposals to the Lithuanian parliament or Seimas, for approval when it sits later this month, but that should be a formality given the clear majority the new coalition will control.

Final results of the election gave the Homeland Union - Christian Democrats 45 seats in the 141 seat Seimas with coalition partners Rising Nation taking 16 seats, the Liberal Movement 11 seats and the Liberal and Centre Union 8 seats. Thus the coalition will control
80 seats with opposition parties able to muster 61 votes at best.

Arturas Valinskas, a former television personality who now heads the Rising Nation party, is likely to take advantage of his presentational experience to become parliamentary speaker. His party is likely to also take charge of the ministries of culture and environment.

The key ministries of foreign affairs, economy, finance and defence will all be headed by Homeland Union - Christian Democrats. The Liberal Movement is expected to take charge at three ministries with the Liberal and Centre Union controlling two. (dpa)