Green Party to take over defense ministry

Latvia's Green Party have confirmed plans to take over this years defense ministry.

The announcement means Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks, a former Prime Minister candidate, will no longer have a seat. The Green and Farmers party have selected Raimonds Vejonis as minister.

Talks are currently underway as to who will lead this years government posts in Latvia. President Andris Berzins has already appointed 

Edgars Tavars, the party's chairman of the board, in a statement, commented: "The Green Party takes into account that Unity's priority is its close cooperation with the Reform Party, who, for some reason, categorically objects to the Green Party's wish to nominate its minister for environmental protection/regional development. We realize however that this could cause an impasse in setting up the Straujuma government."

As for the Defense Ministry, the Greens feel that Vejonis, with his years of experience in government, can do a forthright job as minister, and ensure successful continuation of the state's defense and security policies.