Belgium's main parties agree to form coalition

Caretaker Prime Minister Wilfried Martens said Belgium's two main political groups, the Social Christians and Socialists, have agreed on the formation of a new coalition government. The new Cabinet, the fourth led by Mr. Martens in 18 months, is expected to be announced early next week, after the political parties hold congresses over the weekend to examine the accord. Mr. Martens, a Flemish Social Christian, said the two groups, each divided into Dutch- and French-speaking parties, also agreed on a government program including a strict control on pay and income increases over the next two years.