News

Gang arrested with explosives, mobile phone detonators

The police have arrested a six-member gang equipped with 10 kilogrammes of explosives and detonators which can be set off by mobile telephones. The gang were also in possession of pistols, machine gun parts and over 7,000 pieces of ammunition, a police spokesperson said on Friday. The six - all Czech nationals - were arrested in west Bohemia on Wednesday. The interior minister, Stanislav Gross, said he did not believe there was any connection between the cache of explosives and weapons and international terrorism.

Demonstrations against war on Iraq held in Prague

As demonstrations against the United States-led war on Iraq were held around the world, around 300 people gathered on Prague's Wenceslas Square on Saturday afternoon to express their opposition. After several anti-war speeches the demonstrators marched to the US embassy, where they held a minute's silence for the victims of the war.

Czechs understand problems of Belarus, says Havel

Speaking at a conference about the position of Belarus after European Union enlargement, former Czech president Vaclav Havel said Czech people had a special understanding of the type of problems being experienced in the country, which is known for human rights violations. Also attending the conference at the Czech Senate on Saturday was the Belarusian opposition leader Ivonka Surville; she said the Czech Republic was the leading promoter of her country's opposition on the international scene.

Foreign trade in military goods rose 8 percent last year

Czech foreign trade in military goods rose by almost 8 percent year-on-year in 2003, according to figures released by the Industry and Trade Ministry on Friday. As in previous years imports exceeded exports, with aircraft components making up 75 percent of imported goods.

Antonin Jaroslav Liehm receives award for services to Czech culture

Culture Minister Pavel Dostal has presented the journalist and translator Antonin Jaroslav Liehm with the Artis Bohemiae Amicis award for services to Czech culture. Mr Liehm, who is 80, left Czechoslovakia in 1968 and worked with many international radio stations, as well as giving lectures at universities around Europe and the United States.

Czech football league hots up as Ostrava lose to Slavia Prague

The Czech football league leaders Banik Ostrava have been beaten 2:0 at home by Slavia Prague, who move into second place, six points behind Ostrava. It was Ostrava's first home defeat in 11 months. Reigning champions Sparta Prague can go second on Monday, if they beat Liberec.

Weather

Sunday should be cloudy with rain or showers in places. High winds or even gales are expected in some parts of the country, while temperatures will range between 11 and 17 degrees Celsius.