News
Paroubek vows to keep fighting for EU funds in budget negotiations
The Czech prime minister, Jiri Paroubek, says he will keep fighting for more money for the Czech Republic during negotiations on the European Union's 2007-2013 budget in Brussels. Mr Paroubek said his main objection was that the budget proposed by Britain includes development fund calculations made on the basis of figures for Czech GDP growth which are below the current level of 5%. The prime minister said this could cost the Czech Republic up to 500 million euros.
Czechs may impose restriction on Romanian, Bulgarian workers: Skromach
Meanwhile, the Czech labour minister, Zdenek Skromach, says if other EU states do not lift restrictions on Czech workers, the government could consider introducing similar measures against Romania and Bulgaria, which are due to join the bloc in 2007. Of the "old" EU members, only the UK, Ireland and Sweden have opened their labour markets to workers from the states which joined last year.
Czech police amateurish, says pilot after terror suspect arrest
The pilot of the plane on which terror suspect Oussama Kassir was arrested by Czech police on Sunday says the detention was carried out in an amateurish and dangerous way. Speaking to Mlada fronta Dnes, pilot David Reimer said the plane had to sit on the runway for at least 15 minutes, during which time Mr Kassir could have posed a danger to fellow passengers. A police spokesperson said the arrest of the suspect was proof the operation had been a success.
Havel warns against scrapping coal mining limits
Former Czech president, Vaclav Havel, has appealed to Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek not to scrap existing coal mining limits in the north of the country in a bid to save miners' jobs. In an open letter, Mr Havel highlighted the fates of two villages threatened with destruction if limits set in 1991 are relaxed. A government decision on the issue is expected in the next few weeks.
Constitution Court has full 15 judges after Kurka appointment
The Czech Constitutional Court now features the full 15 judges for the first time in two and a half years, after President Vaclav Klaus appointed Judge Vladimir Kurka on Thursday. The Senate approved his appointment last week.
Czech man admits to killing girlfriend in Denver
A 22-year-old Czech man has admitted to murdering his Brazilian girlfriend in the American city of Denver. The Denver Post reported that Martin Novotny turned himself in to the police after stabbing the woman to death when she ended their relationship.
Thirteenth-century sewer system found under Brno main square
Archaeologists in the Czech Republic's second city, Brno, have discovered the remains of a 13th century sewer. They also found a complete waste water support system under the city's main square, namesti Svobody.
Press: Rosicky set to join Athletico Madrid
Czech football star Tomas Rosicky looks set to join the Spanish club Athletico Madrid in the coming weeks, both Czech and Spanish newspapers have reported in recent days. Midfielder Rosicky, who is 25, is under contract at Germany's Borussia Dortmund until 2008 but the club may sell him for financial reasons.
Nohavica sells out Prague "tour" in days
Jaromir Nohavica has sold out 11 concerts due to be held in various venues around Prague in January. Tickets to see the extremely popular north Moravian singer-songwriter went on sale just three days ago.
Weather
Strong winds are expected, and temperatures should drop over the next couple of days to around 1 degree Celsius. It should remain mostly cloudy with some sunny spells.
