THE HAGUE, 24/01/03 - Christian democratic (CDA) leader Jan Peter Balkenende wants to map out the differences and similarities between the various political parties' programs before starting negotiations with one or several coalition partners. A CDA politician will have to carry out such preparatory work, said Balkenende yesterday.

Balkenende complained after a party meeting on the election results that the conclusion that the CDA would have to form a coalition with Labour (PvdA) was being drawn "Much too quickly. " He pointed out that it is also possible to form a center-right, three-party cabinet. "There are more possibilities than CDA-PvdA. This result is more complex than that of the previous elections last May. "

The conservatives (VVD) are against a preliminary investigation to chart the political landscape. Its caretaker Vice-Premier Johan Remkes considered that a so-called 'informateur' should be appointed immediately, under whose leadership negotiations between parties could start. "The differences between the parties are already completely clear, in my view. "

VVD leader Gerrit Zalm concurred that CDA as largest party "Must immediately begin" an attempt to form a coalition. Zalm termed it likely that the CDA and PvdA would get around the negotiating table. He declined to speculate about a three-party coalition.

VVD campaign leader Hans van Baalen considered that the VVD should only keep itself available for negotiations on a new role in a cabinet with CDA as a last resort. "But I estimate chances of this at less than 25 percent. CDA and PvdA must be able to succeed within a month. "

Caretaker Defence State Secretary Cees van der Knaap (CDA), a Balkenende confidante, speculated yesterday on a coalition with VVD and the center-left (D66). The fact that D66 says it does not want this makes little impression on him. "The VVD also refused at the start of the last cabinet formation. "

Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) announced it is preparing for a role in opposition. "It is actually confidential, but the advice that we will give to the Queen (today) is obvious. The CDA and PvdA must first try to get together," said LPF leader Mat Herben yesterday. He is prepared to join a cabinet with CDA and VVD, but the CDA must then first apologize for the negative statements it has made about the LPF in recent days, according to Herben.

PvdA leader Wouter Bos, by no means the least important player in the whole game, also indicated yesterday that a start with negotiations must be made quickly. But he does not appear too eager to ask for the hand of the bride. "If Balkenende does not want to govern with us, he should say so and not waste time. And if the CDA's intention is to end somewhere else through talks with us, he might as well start on the other side right away. " Bos added that "All party leaders except Balkenende" are convinced that the election result points in the direction of a PvdA-CDA cabinet.