Czech mission to UN ready to take over EU presidency

The Czech mission to the United Nations in New York is ready to take over the duties of the European presidency on January 1, ambassador Martin Palouš has told the Czech News Agency. He said the Czech mission would be responsible for all activities carried out within the European Union in the first six months of next year. The first meeting Mr Palouš will preside is a regular meeting of the 27 ambassadors of EU member states. The Czech mission has recently increased its personnel to around 50 people.