1st LD: Czech parties ANO, SPD and Motorists ink coalition deal

PRAGUE, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis' ANO party on Monday signed a coalition agreement with the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists, paving the way for a new government.

The document outlines the main political framework of the coalition and will serve as the basis for the new government's policy statement.

"We will fight for the interests of the Czech Republic at all levels -- in the European Union, in NATO, and in the wider international community," said Babis.

According to Babis, the names of the new members of the government will be announced by the end of November.

The ANO party won the country's parliamentary election in October.

Babis was officially tasked by Czech President Petr Pavel with forming a new government, which Babis expects to complete by mid-December.

New members of parliament met for their first session on Monday and took their oath of office. Enditem