News of Radio Prague
Czech government officially rejects Lukashenko visa request
The Czech government has ended weeks of speculation by rejecting a visa request from the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, to attend next week's NATO summit in Prague. The Czech foreign minister, Cyril Svoboda, said the visa would not be granted because Belarus did not respect human rights, adding that Mr Lukashenko had asked for special protection the Czech government could not afford. Mr Svoboda said the government did not want Mr Lukashenko to use the visit to "legitimise his position" in Belarus. However he said the rest of the Belarussian delegation would be allowed to travel to Prague to attend the summit.
Belarussian opposition welcomes Lukashenko visa decision
There has not yet been any official response from Belarus, though opposition figures have welcomed the decision not to grant President Lukashenko a visa. Mr Lukashenko, who is often referred to as the last dictator in Europe, had previously said he would break off diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic if Prague refused the visa request. He has also threatened to throw open his country's borders so as to allow illegal immigrants and drugs easier access to western Europe. Belarus is not a NATO member, but co-operates with the alliance through the Partnership for Peace programme.
Czech border police turn back dozens as checks tighten
Border police have turned back dozens of people attempting to enter the Czech Republic, as a security measure ahead of next week's NATO summit, a police spokesperson has said. From Friday border controls will be even stricter, and unusually long delays can be expected at all border crossings. The border police are not obliged to explain their grounds for denying anybody permission to enter the country.
Man charged in connection with fatal stabbing of prostitute
Police in the west Bohemian town of Cheb have charged a man with the fatal stabbing of a prostitute on Tuesday. After fleeing the scene of the killing, the man, who was under the influence of alcohol, was injured in a traffic accident and is now in hospital.
Suspended sentence handed down in Safrankova libel case
The founder of the now-defunct tabloid Super, Jiri Janousek, has received a suspended four-month prison sentence for libelling the popular Czech actress Libuse Safrankova. Last year Super falsely claimed that Mrs Safrankova, who is one of the leading actresses of her generation, was receiving treatment for alcoholism and terrorised her husband, actor Josef Abraham.
Top Czech tennis player Novak knocked out of prestigious tournament
The top Czech tennis player Jiri Novak has been knocked out of the Masters Cup in Shanghai, after being beaten 5:7 3:6 by Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero. A win would have made Mr Novak the second Czech player to reach the semi-final of the prestigious tournament after Ivan Lendl. After many years in the lower rankings, Mr Novak, who is 27, reached tennis's world top ten for the first time this year.
Weather
Saturday should be cloudy with rain in places, and a maximum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Sunday should continue wet and cloudy, with temperatures ranging from nine to 13 degrees Celsius.
