News of Radio Prague

Extreme weather conditions subside, but possibility of repeat remains

Saturday saw a lull in extreme weather conditions that struck much of the Czech Republic Thursday and Friday, freezing rain and black ice that were a factor in hundreds of traffic accidents, as well as car pile-ups throughout the country. Several people died as a result. Throughout Saturday the majority of roads were accessible, though a safety warning remained in place asking drivers to avoid getting into their cars unless absolutely necessary, for fear showers in places and an unexpected drop in temperatures could lead to a repeat of extreme conditions in certain areas.

Ambulance crews on Friday: marked rise in number of patients taken to hospital

In related news Prague ambulance services have released statistics showing that calamitous weather on Friday saw an almost 100 percent rise in the number of patients taken to hospital, at just under 400, while an additional 80 people were treated at the scene of accidents. Some 80 percent of the accidents Friday were weather-related, the majority of injuries: bruises or broken bones from falling on icy sidewalks and streets. Prague ambulances crews reported the greatest difficulties Friday evening, when some areas of the city were inaccessible, and stretchers with patients had to be transported hundreds of metres on foot, before they could be driven to hospital.

Central Bank: situation favourable for Czechs to adopt the euro by 2007

The Central Bank has called on the Czech government to adopt reforms in public finances that would make it possible for the Czech Republic to adopt the currency of the European Union, the euro, as early as 2007. In a statement released on the bank's internet site Friday, the Central Bank said that analysis had shown that overall the situation was favourable for the Czech Republic to join the Eurozone relatively quickly. But, the bank stressed the need for some changes in economic policy to ensure the opportunity would not be missed. At the same time the bank has conceded that the outlook for current fiscal policy is not entirely consistent with the quick adoption of the euro. Criteria which must be met in order for the country to adopt the European currency requires, for example that the public finance deficit not exceed 3 percent of the Gross National Product. Current budget policy indicates, however, that by 2006, the public finance deficit could exceed 6 percent of the GNP.

Visa requirement lifted for Czechs travelling to New Zealand

According to the Foreign Ministry Czech tourists travelling to New Zealand will no longer need entry visas as of January 1st, if their stay does not exceed 90 days. The change in New Zealand's policy comes one year after visas for Czechs were reinstated in reaction to a growing number of suspected economic migrants seeking asylum in the country. Over a hundred Czech citizens applied for asylum in the year 2000, though none received asylum status. The Czech Republic and New Zealand originally waived mutual visa requirements in 1996.

Small zoo "corner" in Benesov near Prague burns down, killing exotic animals

A small so-called Zoo "corner" in the town of Benesov near Prague caught fire early Saturday morning, killing countless exotic animals including monkeys, lizards, snakes, and parrots. Sadly, none of the animals could be saved in time by fire-fighters at the scene: the only live specimens recovered were several turtles saved in a pool. Damages are estimated at least 500, 000 crowns, or approximately 16, 000 euros.

Sports News

The Czech Republic's Men's Under-20 hockey team has won its first match at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Halifax, Canada, defeating Germany by a score of 3 - 0. Goals were scored by Tomas Fleischmann, Petr Puncochar, and Jiri Hudler. Goaltender Martin Falter stopped fifteen shots by the German team to earn the shutout. The Czech Team are two time defending champions; last year they won here in the Czech Republic. This year's tournament will last ten days, with the gold medal match taking place January 5th.

Weather

Sunday will be cloudy with rainy periods. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise a little higher than in the past few days, between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius.