The Reappointment

The Lithuanian parliament has confirmed the nomination of Algirdas Brazauskas as the country's prime minister. The parliament voted 82-12 with 18 abstentions to approve last week's decision by Lithuania's new President Rolandas Paksas to reappoint Mr. Brazauskas as head of government. The prime minister now has 15 days to propose a cabinet. He has been prime minister since 2001. Mr. Brazauskas, who served as Lithuanian president from 1993 to 1998, has spearheaded the drive to join the NATO military alliance and the European Union in 2004.