Coalition blocks parliamentary debate on Cunek and US radar base

The centre-right coalition government has blocked a move by Social Democrat and Communist MPs to hold a debate in the lower house on the conduct of state attorneys in a recent corruption case involving Deputy Prime Minister Jiri Cunek. Mr Cunek had been accused of accepting a bribe while he was mayor of the town of Vsetin five years ago, but all charges were subsequently dropped. This was heavily criticised in some quarters with critics alleging that the case had been subject to political interference. The government also blocked a debate on the proposed construction of a US radar base in this country. Parliament is not expected to sit again until the end of September.