A solution to cut the "Gordian Knot" should be sought in the government formation talks - Rinkevics

RIGA - A solution to cut the "Gordian Knot" should be sought in the government formation talks, which would allow all three parties to maintain their dignity, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics told Latvian Television last night.

The minister admitted that currently those participating in the talks are also working in the direction of "quiet diplomacy" and are ready to find a way to move forward.

"It is necessary to find a solution to this situation, and move forward," Rinkevics added.

At the same time, Rinkevics emphasized that the board of New Unity has expressed support for Krisjanis Karins as the lead negotiator from the JV side in the government formation talks.

"If we want to agree on a government and the work to be done, the task is to think how to do it, not how not to do it," Rinkevics said.

Also, Rinkevics pointed out that in the government formation talks, the choice of voters must be respected, which gave New Unity 26 MP mandates, the United List - 15 mandates, and the National Alliance - 13 mandates.

As reported, disagreements between New Unity and the United List on how to proceed with the government formation process have become an obstacle to form the government coalition. After Wednesday's meeting with United List representatives, Karins voiced hope that the United List will give its answer about the proposed distribution of areas of responsibility before the end of this week. Karins hinted however that if the answer is not provided, the coalition formation negotiations might collapse.