Czech leaders voice doubts about Nobel Peace prize award

Czech leaders have given a subdued and even negative reaction to US President Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Price. Saturday’s edition of the daily Dnes headlined with “Nobel Prize for nothing.” Former Czech foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg said it was unfortunate for a serving politician to get the prize especially when he had not achieved anything concrete. Civic Democrat leader Mirek Topolánek pointed out that former Czech president Václav Havel might merit the award 20 years after the collapse of Communism. Christian Democrat leader Cyril Svoboda said the award was more for raised hopes than actions. But the Social Democrats warmly welcomed the award as recognition that President Obama had ditched a policy of confrontation.