Havel rejects speculation he might again run for president
Former Czech president Vaclav Havel has denied speculation he is being considered by the opposition Social Democrats as a "secret" candidate for next year's presidential elections. In a statement made through his personal secretary on Friday Mr Havel made clear he had not received any offer from the Social Democrats and not discussed the idea with anyone from the party. In the past, Mr Havel - who was the Czech head of state for thirteen years before he stepped down in 2003 - said he had no interest in running for the post of president again. But in an interview earlier this year he indicated he might run if his candidacy sharpened the race. Current incumbent Vaclav Klaus is the only official candidate so far; the opposition Social Democrats have been trying to agree on a contender with a viable chance of challenging the current president.