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The head of Czech National Library Vlastimil Ježek says the dispute over the planned new building of the National Library in Prague can only be resolved by court. He made the statement in reaction to Thursday’s decision of the EC, which concluded that the competition for a new national Library building in Prague was not in keeping with the law on public tenders. The competition was won last year by Czech-born British architect Jan Kaplický with his modern designed nicknamed “the blob”. Mr Ježek says he is not planning to abolish the original tender for the time being.

More than 8000 animals were killed in traffic accidents on Czech roads last year, which is an increase by 1000 since 2006, the Lidové Noviny daily reports. Animals are the second most frequent cause of traffic accidents in the country. Most of the accidents happen in April and May in the early morning hours. Unlike in the neighbouring Germany, protective fences have only been installed along the motorways.

Long-term parking at Prague’s Ruzyně airport costs 2,000 crowns (over 125 US dollars) per week, which is the highest rate in central Europe, the E15 internet daily reports. Airports in Munich and Vienna, for example, charge about 500 crowns less. Cheaper car parks for Czech drivers, which charge around 1,200 crowns a week, are available three bus stops from the terminals.

Forty of the world’s top athletes, including Czech runner Jakub Holuša, have signed a petition calling for a free Tibet. In a public appeal to President Hu Jintao they urge a peaceful and democratic solution to the situation in Tibet, the release of all prisoners of conscience and respect for human rights. Twenty-year-old Jakub Holuša, who is Europe’s junior champion in the 3,000 metres steeplechase, said the appeal was in line with what the Olympic Games represented.