Poll: two-thirds of Czechs take negative stance towards Romany citizens

A new poll released by the STEM agency has suggested that two-thirds of Czechs take a negative stance towards Romany citizens with only 1 in 20 taking a positive view. The poll's authors say that the results of the survey have confirmed the negative attitude has been stable for a number of years. Roma groups and human rights activists have criticised what they see as an "anti-Roma mood" recently fuelled by statements made by Deputy Prime Minister Jiri Cunek alluding to the Roma as troublemakers. Mr Cunek apologised but maintained his words had been misunderstood.