News

Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek has called for a test of the country's preparedness in dealing with the consequences of a terrorist attack. Following another series of explosions in London on Thursday, Mr. Paroubek asked the Interior Minister Frantisek Bublan for members of the integrated rescue system to stage an exercise simulating an emergency operation in the wake of a terrorist attack. The Prime Minister said he had no evidence to suggest that Prague was in serious danger of an attack, emphasizing that the measure was precautionary.

Following the terrorist attacks in London on July 7th the Czech Republic reinforced police patrols at key sites including the Prague metro, railways, airports and strategic buildings, as well as border crossings. Heightened security measures remain in effect.

Senator Alexander Novak of the Civic Democratic Party has been charged with bribery. According to the charges the senator accepted a 43 million crown bribe for mediating the sale of municipal shares in local power and gas distributing companies to a German firm. The Senator has refused to comment on the case. The Senate stripped him of parliamentary immunity in November of 2003. If found guilty, he could face up to eight years in prison.

Czech authorities have said no subsequent security measures have been planned following a series of blasts in London on Thursday. Interior Minister Frantisek Bublan said current measures were sufficient, and that there was no need to call a meeting of the National Security Council. Czech Foreign Ministry spokesman Vit Kolar meanwhile said that not enough specific information was currently available. On Thursday four detonators exploded in the London subway and on one bus, injuring one, two weeks after suicide bombers killed more than 50 people in the British capital. The London Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair called Thursday's events in London "very serious". Two suspects have been taken into custody.

Following the deadly attacks in London on July 7th the Czech Republic reinforced police patrols at key sites including the Prague metro, railways, airports and strategic buildings, as well as border crossings.

The prime ministers of both countries also discussed urgent matters including finding a compromise on the proposed EU budget for the years 2007 - 2013, a budget that failed to find backing at the most recent summit of the EU. Following Thursday's meeting the men made clear they would push for quick compromise while recognising the need for wider economic reform in the bloc. The EU failed to agree the budget plan for 2007-2013 last month after Britain blocked any deal which would limit its rebate unless there is a reform of farm subsidies which most benefit France.