News
Canada unlikely to lift visa requirements after minister cancels Prague visit
Canada is unlikely to lift visa obligations for Czechs next month, according to the Czech foreign minister, Cyril Svoboda. His Canadian counterpart, Peter MacKay, was due to announce the step on a visit to Prague in June, but Mr Svoboda said the trip had been cancelled. He said, however, that the Canadian government would continue to discuss the issue. During a recent visit to Canada, Mr Svoboda said Prague would take reciprocal measures unless Ottawa lifted its visa restrictions.
Moserova, Albright and Neumannova among winners of Gratias Agit awards
The Czech Foreign Minister on Thursday presented this year's Gratias Agit awards for promoting the good name of the Czech Republic around the world. Among the recipients was Jaroslava Moserova, a doctor, politician and translator who passed away last month. The Czech-born former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright and Olympic skiing champion Katerina Neumannova were also honoured in the ceremony, which took place at the Foreign Ministry.
Agriculture minister does not have "confidential" category security clearance
The minister of agriculture, Jan Mladek, does not have a "confidential" category security clearance, after having an application refused by the National Security Office five years ago, Mlada fronta Dnes reported on Thursday. No official reason has been given, but the daily suggests Mr Mladek, a deputy finance minister in 2001, had contacts with Russian businessmen who Czech intelligence had under surveillance. He resigned from the post after the vetting rejection and kept it secret, the paper said.
Germany supports Czech proposal on cross-border waste disposal
Germany has expressed support for a Czech proposal under which target countries would have to approve the importation of waste for incineration. The two countries reached agreement on the issue at a meeting in Prague on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Czech Environment Ministry said. The suggestion will be discussed by the Council of Europe during a debate on waste export next month. There have been several cases this year of German rubbish being illegally imported into the Czech Republic.
Safety belt, child seat checks part of plant to cut road deaths
Police have been carrying out checks of safety belt and child seat use around the country. The controls are in line with a government plan to cut road deaths in the Czech Republic by up to 50 percent by 2010.
Czech trio help Scottish club reach Champions League
The Czech football players Rudolf Skacel, Roman Bednar and Michal Pospisil are celebrating helping their Scottish club Hearts qualify for the Champions League. The three were in action on Wednesday as Hearts beat Aberdeen to secure second place in the Scottish Premier League and reach the prestigious competition for the first time. Skacel is Hearts' top scorer this season with 16 goals.
Squad named from World Ice Hockey Championships
Czech ice hockey coach Alois Hadamczik has announced his squad for the World Championships which get underway in Latvia on Friday. Six of the players named were in the squad which won last year's championships in Vienna.
Weather
It should remain quite sunny over the next few days, but there will be storms in places. Temperatures will reach around 20 degrees Celsius.
