Topolanek backs missile defence shield at presidential conference

In related news, speaking at the presidents' conference in Brno on Friday Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek backed a plan for parts of a broader US missile defence shield to be hosted by Poland and the Czech Republic. He called the system a "necessary" step that would markedly increase security for the Czech Republic, its allies and neighbours. He and President Vaclav Klaus also pledged that the Czech Republic would support further expansion of the European Union. The conference in Brno lasts until Saturday.