Pithart to announce whether he will run for Czech president

Czech Senate deputy chairman Petr Pithart of the Christian Democrats will announce next week whether he will run for the presidency in 2008. Mr Pithart's possible nomination was discussed along with other names at the Christian Democratic meeting on Monday, but the party failed to reach any agreement. Deputy Prime Minister and Christian Democrat leader Jiri Cunek said talks would continue with leaders of other parties including the Social Democrats on possibly fielding a joint candidate to challenge the current incumbent Vaclav Klaus.