Czech Republic ready to help quake-stricken countries in Asia

Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek has said the Czech Republic could donate 25 million crowns (over 1 million dollars) to the earthquake-stricken countries in Asia. The amount will be discussed by the government on Wednesday. The Foreign Ministry has earmarked 5 million crowns. Czech rescue workers are ready to leave for the affected regions as soon as the local authorities specify their needs. A number of Czech charities have said they are going to open special accounts for public donations towards the renewal of the damaged areas.