News of Radio Prague
Foot-and-mouth security controls block Czech-German border crossing
Security controls aimed at preventing foot-and-mouth disease from entering the Czech Republic brought traffic to a halt for several hours at the Czech-German border crossing at Pomezi nad Ohri on Saturday. All lanes on the German side of the border in both directions were blocked by motorists who faced delays of more than three hours, as all vehicles coming into the country must now pass over disinfecting trays. Further delays occur as travellers are checked for meat and dairy products, which must be discarded at the border.
Republicans remember 62nd anniversary of Nazi occupation
Hundreds of members of the extreme right-wing Republican Party gathered in Prague on Saturday to mark the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. During the gathering, which took place on Wenceslas Square, the head of the Republican Party, Miroslav Sladek gave a one hour speech, in which he criticised the delay in reparation payments to wartime slave labourers, NATO's airstrikes against Serbia, the EU, other Czech parties and the state administration.
Zeman's returns from trip to India and South Korea
The Czech Prime Minister, Milos Zeman has ended his trip to South Korea and India. Accompanied by the Czech Finance Minister, Pavel Mertlik and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Miroslav Gregr, he spent a week visiting the two countries, holding talks with leaders of the business community. The aim of the visit was to promote trade, improve business ties, and offer incentives for Asian businesses to invest in the Czech Republic. One of the topics of discussion that was high on the Czech Prime Minister's agenda in South Korea, was the future of the Czech company, Daewoo-Avia - a sister-company of the South Korean car manufacturer, Daewoo Motors.
Man arrested for blackmailing Pepsi-Cola
A man has been arrested and charged with blackmail by the police in Prague, after having allegedly blackmailed the Czech branch of Pepsi-Cola. The 50-year old man is said to have sent the director of the beverage producer letters in which he threatened to infect their products with salmonella, if he did not receive one million US dollars. Upon receipt of a third letter, the company informed the police, and remained in touch with the suspect. He was arrested at the site where the blackmail payment was due to be made. If convicted, he could face up to twelve years in prison.
Czech humanitarian organisation sends help to flood-stricken Ukraine
The Czech humanitarian organisation, ADRA has sent 250,000 Czech Crowns worth of humanitarian aid, including, flour, oil, and strollers to the Ukraine. Over 250 villages, 1500 houses, 7 bridges and numerous railway tracks are currently flooded in the Ukraine and its people are dependant on humanitarian aid from abroad. Since its last shipment left for the Ukraine, ADRA has already raised 100,000 Czech Crowns intended for hygienic supplies as well as blankets, warm clothing and food.
Bank and Zakourilova win slalom event
And now some sport. The slalom event at the Czech Skiing Championships taking place in the North Bohemian town of Spindleruv Mlyn has two winners, both Czech. Ondrej Bank won the gold in the men's round and Petra Zakourilova won first place in the women's group after her strongest opponent, Slovakia's Veronika Zuzulova, fell in the second round.
Weather
And finally, a quick look at the weather. Overcast skies and occasional showers are expected to continue through the night. Night-time temperatures, though will not be dropping dramatically, ranging from 7 to 13 degrees Celsius. Sunday won't be much different from Saturday. Occasional showers shall prevail with temperatures between 5 and 9 degrees Celsius.
