Marathon talks to form next Dutch coalition near finish line

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The four parties negotiating to form the next ruling Dutch coalition plan to send a policy blueprint for the next term of government to lawmakers this week. The move will mark another step toward the end of marathon talks that followed a March election. The two officials overseeing the talks announced Monday that they plan to send the plan, known as a coalition accord, to Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. Lawmakers will then debate the plan before the coalition formation process advances to the next stage — selecting ministers to make up the next Cabinet. The Netherlands’ longest ever formation process was kicked off nearly nine months ago by March 17′s general election.