Czech and Polish prime ministers lay wreath at Terezin concentration camp

Czech and Polish prime ministers lay wreath at Terezin concentration camp

The Czech prime minister, Milos Zeman, and his Polish counterpart, Leszek Miller, have laid a wreath at the Terezin World War II concentration camp in central Bohemia. Mr Miller, who is on a two-day visit to the Czech Republic, said on Saturday that Terezin had suffered in a similar way to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, and that people should not forget such terrible places. Some 32,000 people died at Terezin, known in German as Theresinstadt, while 100,000 inmates were later killed at other concentration camps.

Kavan and Tvrdik visit Kuwait

The Czech foreign minister, Jan Kavan, and the defence minister, Jaroslav Tvrdik, were due to leave for Kuwait on Saturday, where they were to meet local officials and Czech soldiers. Some 350 Czech anti-chemical troops have been stationed in Kuwait since February. The Czech singers Anna K and Martin Maxa are accompanying the two ministers, and will perform for the soldiers.

Lower house passes bill banning almost all tobacco advertising

The Czech lower house passed a bill banning almost all tobacco advertising on Friday. Under the bill tobacco advertisements would only be permitted at shops selling tobacco products. Sixty people a day die from smoking-related illnesses in the Czech Republic, said MP Josef Janecek, the main sponsor of the bill, which now goes to the Senate.

Protest against European Union and Marxism held on Prague's Old Town Square

A protest has been held against the European Union, bolshevism and Marxism on Prague's Old Town Square. Some 60 members of an organisation entitled Action for National Renewal called for the banning of the Communist Party and carried banners reading "God - Country - Family" and "No to European Communist cultural revolution". The demonstration passed off without incident.

Czech ice hockey team win opening game at World Championships

The Czech ice hockey team got off to a flying start on the opening day of the World Championships in Sweden when they beat Switzerland 5:0. The Czechs are hoping to defend the trophy they have won the last three years in a row. Goaltender Milan Hnilicka was injured during the game and will miss the next two matches at least.

Women's tennis team drawing 1:1 with Croatia in Fed Cup after opening day

And in other sports news, the Czech Republic's women's tennis team are drawing 1:1 with Croatia after the opening day of their Fed Cup clash. In the first game Sandra Kleinova was beaten 6:7 4:6 by Jelena Kostanicova. Iveta Benesova got a game back for the Czechs, causing a minor upset by beating Iva Majoliova 6:4 6:1.

Sunday's weather

Sunday should be partially cloudy with a maximum daytime temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.