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Trade unions have publicly distanced themselves from homophobic statements made by transport unions leader Jaromir Dušek. Mr. Dušek evoked outrage on the Czech political scene when he said in an interview for Saturday’s Lidové Noviny that the transport sector was run by a clique of homosexuals who had people both in the cabinet and the office of the government. He has refused to apologize for the remarks, despite coming under severe criticism from Prime Minister Jan Fischer. Transport Minister Gustav Slámečka accused Mr. Dušek of Nazi rhetoric, while the minister for human rights and minorities, Michael Kocáb, said he was shaken by Mr. Dušek’s stand.

The trade union leader has found himself in growing isolation; both the prime minister and transport minister say they no longer consider him a partner for negotiation and many trade union leaders are now calling for his head. A decision is expected on Tuesday.

President Václav Klaus on Monday met with Prime Minister Jan Fischer and Defense Minister Martin Barták to discuss a possible increase of Czech troops in Afghanistan and organizational changes to the army ensuing from budget cuts. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen last week urged the Czech Republic to increase its presence in Afghanistan by 51 solders who would provide helicopter training and operate two clinics. Although the Czech government has already approved the increase, the plan is likely to meet with opposition in Parliament where left-wing parties are planning to reject it. The Czech Republic currently has over 500 soldiers in Afghanistan, serving on the provincial reconstruction team in Logar.

The police are investigating a gas explosion in Prague’s southern district of Radotin that damaged two building early on Monday. The explosion happened in one of the apartments which was completely destroyed by the blast. Two men – a father and son - were rushed to hospital with severe burns. According to preliminary findings it appears that the son turned on the gas in an attempt to commit suicide and the father caused the explosion by walking into the room and lighting a cigarette.

Trade union leader Jaromír Dušek has evoked outrage on the Czech political scene after telling a daily the transport sector was run by a clique of homosexuals. The transport union leader said in an interview for Saturday’s Lidové Noviny that homosexuals had a tight grip on decision-making and had people both in the cabinet and the office of the government. He has refused to apologize for the remarks despite coming under severe criticism from Prime Minister Jan Fischer. Transport Minister Gustav Slámečka accused Mr. Dušek of Nazi rhetoric, while the minister for human rights and minorities, Michael Kocáb, said he was shaken by Mr. Dušek’s stand.

The trade union leader is likely to find himself in growing isolation, both the prime minister and transport minister say they no longer consider him a partner for negotiation and trade unions are preparing a statement to distance themselves from his words.