Czech Academy of Sciences distances itself from Vaclav Klaus' critics

The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic has officially distanced itself from a group which on Wednesday declared its disapproval of President Vaclav Klaus' criticism of the European Union. Academy of Sciences President, Vaclav Paces, says that his institution is scientific and apolitical in nature, and that the 66 prominent Czech scholars who signed a letter in protest of President Klaus' opinions do not represent the Academy's position, and were merely expressing their personal opinions. President Vaclav Klaus is known for his criticism of EU integration, and at least fifteen Academy members signed the official letter of protest against him. Among the signatories were Senator Josef Jarab, and philosopher and former presidential candidate Jan Sokol.