News of Radio Prague
Klaus, Spidla discuss EU integration, Czech politics over lunch
Czech President Vaclav Klaus and the country's Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla have agreed on what they termed a common initiative towards the Czech parliament regarding the upcoming European Union enlargement. The two politicians met on Friday at the presidential chateau at Lany to discuss a number of current issues over lunch. Both officials were accompanied by their wives. After their meeting, Mr Klaus and Mr Spidla said they would like to establish a tradition of annual meetings of the president and the prime minister at the beginning of each year.
NGOs, state authorities describe Czech aid to Iran as adequate
Representatives of Czech non-governmental organisations have said that the Czech humanitarian assistance offered to earthquake-stricken Iran has been adequate. The Czech authorities have described the aid as quick, targeted and efficient. Immediately after the disaster, the Czech Republic sent an 18-strong team of specially-trained rescue workers, equipped with sniffer dogs, and two airplanes carrying emergency humanitarian aid. Several Czech NGOs have announced public collections and they are preparing specific projects in cooperation with the Czech government to rebuild the earthquake-hit areas.
Prices of fuel rise following excise duty hike
The prices of petrol and diesel have risen at most petrol stations in the Czech Republic as excise duty on fuels increased on January 1. Analysts say that on average, fuel prices rose by 20 to 35 hellers per litre. Excise duty on petrol was increased by one crown and on diesel by one crown 80 hellers.
Suspected railway terrorist in critical health condition
Police are still unable to accuse the man believed to be responsible for 18 bomb attacks over the last five years, due to his critical health condition. The 68-year-old man was arrested last Monday near an East Bohemian monument to Czech-German friendship which he is believed to have been trying to destroy with a bomb. The man tried to stab himself as police tried to arrest him and had to be taken to hospital. He is now being treated at an intensive care unit. The elderly man is suspected of placing explosives on railway lines, in hospitals and at monuments throughout the country in the last five years.
Woman remanded in custody after killing baby son
A 21-year old woman accused of strangling her one-year old son to death has been remanded in custody. The dead body of the baby was found on Wednesday in a shelter home for mothers and children in the north Moravian city of Ostrava where both the woman and her son had lived. Police say the woman did not act under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Weather
We can expect a very cold but sunny weekend. On Friday night temperatures should fall to lows of minus 15 degrees Celsius in places. Daytime temperatures on Saturday should range from minus 4 to minus 2 degrees Celsius. Saturday night should be slightly warmer with temperatures around minus 9 degrees. Sunday's daytime temperatures are expected to range from minus 5 to plus 1 degree Celsius.
