Jiri Dienstbier likely to run for president

Jiri Dienstbier, former Czechoslovak foreign minister and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is likely to run against Vaclav Klaus in next year's presidential elections, according to the internet news site aktualne.cz. Mr. Dienstbier has confirmed the news, saying that he would accept the candidacy if he won enough political backing. Opposition leader Jiri Paroubek said on Sunday that his Social Democrats were trying to reach agreement across the political spectrum on a candidate who would be strong enough to stand a chance against the current head of state, President Vaclav Klaus. Mr. Klaus has said he would seek re-election for a second term in office.