Civic initiative wants to stop Czech-US talks on radar base

The "No to Bases" civic initiative demands that the talks between the Czech Republic and the United States on the possible stationing of a US radar base on Czech territory, which started on Thursday, be terminated. The initiative's representative Rudolf Prevratil says the centre-right coalition cabinet of Mirek Topolanek has no mandate to conduct the talks. "No to Bases" points out that most Czechs are against the construction of a radar base in the Czech Republic, according to polls. The initiative demands that a referendum be held on the issue. It plans to hold a rally against the radar base on Prague's Wenceslas Square on Saturday, May 26, followed by a march through the city centre.

The radar base opponents claim that the base will stir up new arms races, threaten the Czech Republic's security and cooperation in Europe. They also say the government focuses on technical issues only, while ignoring fundamental questions such as the command of the base and its impact on the international political situation.