Civic Democrats see possibility of delayed Lisbon guarantees

In other reactions, Civic Democrat leaders have suggested that President Klaus’ demands could be dealt with after the Lisbon Treaty comes into effect. The party said in a statement that the guarantees he is seeking could be given when an agreement is sealed with Croatia on its entry into the European Union. Such guarantees would have the character of a clarification of the treaty and not an amendment, which would require fresh clearance from national parliaments and heads of state. Clarifications were used to give the Irish guarantees about their tax system and neutrality.

Meanwhile, the Social Democrats said they had a certain understanding for President Klaus’ demands. But Christian Democrat leader Cyril Svoboda attacked his stand describing it as obstruction based on the opinion of one man which flew in the face of parliament’s wishes. The Greens have suggested that President Klaus had overstepped the mark and his removal should be considered.