News of Radio Prague

Czech foreign minister concludes visit to Middle East

Czech foreign minister Jan Kavan met with Israeli premier Ariel Sharon and foreign minister Simon Peres on Sunday during his visit to the Middle East. On Saturday, Mr. Kavan cancelled a meeting with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat but did meet with his Palestinian counterpart Nabil Shas. Mr. Kavan's negotiations focused on the evaluation and the solutions of the present crisis, and on questions concerning the renewal of peace talks between Israel and Palestine.

Trade gap narrows down in April

The Czech foreign trade in April ended with a deficit of 40 million USD as compared to around 300 million deficit in the same period of 2001. The result is significantly better than expected. Economic analysts had predicted a deficit of around 200 million dollars in April, approximately the same as in March. Experts attribute the positive development to the relatively strong Czech currency and to a decrease of commodity prices on world markets.

World Roma festival ends with a gala concert of ten gipsy bands

A gala concert of ten traditional gipsy bands from all over the world ended the World Roma festival Khamoro 2002 in Prague. The festival of Roma culture included concerts and art exhibitions as well as seminars on minority issues attended by experts from 20 countries.

Seven year old girl disappears in Ceska Trebova

Several dozen police with dogs and thermo-vision equipment have been searching for a seven-year old girl from the East Bohemian town of Ceska Trebova who disappeared on Friday. Marcela Ferkova was seen for the last time in a local confectionery on Friday around noon with her grandmother's friend who claims to have left her in the shop. The man, who already has a criminal record, has been arrested.

Football - Czech under 21's in European Championship finals

The Czech Republic's football team beat Italy 3-2 and proceeded to the finals of the European under-21 Championship. In a dramatic semifinal match, the Czechs ended Italy's chances to defend the title and booked a place in Tuesday's final in Basel against France who beat hosts Switzerland 2-0 earlier.

Czech weather report

We are expecting a mostly cloudy day with showers and thunderstorms in some places, the highest daytime temperatures should range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.