A Czech Radio correspondent speaks to the President of the UN General Assembly on the Czech Republic's ties to the Czech community abroad
Czech Radio correspondent Vit Pohanka has been in Washington this week covering Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla's visit to the US. On Thursday he contributed to Radio Prague on Mr Spidla's meeting with US President George W Bush. Today we bring you parts of a short interview Vit Pohanka conducted with Jan Kavan, the president of the UN General Assembly and former minister of foreign affairs. The Czech journalist began by asking Mr Kavan how he viewed relations between the Czech Republic and the Czech community abroad.
"I would admit that our dealing with Czech ex-patriots is not perfect, that it has some way to go towards perfection... On the other hand, I have to say, we are aware of the importance of maintaining links with the ex-patriot community, the importance of broadcasts keeping them fully informed we are aware of the need to help organise cultural events in their countries. The system of Czech centres, which exists in a number of countries, is there to get more acquainted with what's happening in the country with our arts, newest films, galleries, and literature and I think this is happening. Obviously, I can imagine that there will always be some ex-patriot groups that will be critical. But, I think we are trying to do our best."
Back in the so-called "normalisation" period in the 1970s as well as the years preceding the Velvet Revolution, Czech ex-patriots were cut-off from their homeland - many unable - or unwilling to return - while the Communists remained in power. The fall of Communism in 1989 then brought new opportunities for the emerging Czech Republic to pick-up ties with Czech émigrés, but the reunion has not always been positive. In the past, ex-patriots have criticised the Czech Republic for not going far enough to bring them into the fold. Mr Kavan admitted today's situation may not be ideal, but other issues in foreign policy, such as attracting foreign investment and improving the overall image of the Czech Republic abroad take priority before ex-patriots become issue number one:
"These have to combine to help to sustain such an image. When I think that this important thing is so clearly established that nobody will question it, that our image also in the eyes of Western investors will not be doubted, then more attention will be put on the ex-patriot community. But, I am saying, already the Czech ex-patriot community does receive attention from us. It's not - in every country - a top priority."
Mr Kavan's mandate as President of the UN will end in just a few months. Although, at that time he will remain only a member of parliament, he has apparently come out on top. On Thursday the Czech prime minister indicated that Mr Kavan still had an important role to play because of his extensive contacts. The prime minister made the announcement after Mr Kavan took part in current negotiations with the US Bechtel company - assigned a major contract for the reconstruction of Iraq. Apparently to try and help Czech companies secure lucrative roles in the rebuilding of the country.
