Stepanek accepts offer to be next culture minister

Actor and journalist Martin Stepanek is likely to be the country's next culture minister, in the new government being formed by Prime Minister designate Mirek Topolanek. Mr Stepanek told journalists that he met the prime minister designate on Thursday and had accepted Mr Topolanek's offer. Originally, Mr Topolanek offered the post of culture minister in his cabinet to Czech general consul in Los Angeles, Margita Fuchsova, but she turned down the post. The prime minister designate intends to submit a list of ministers in his cabinet to President Vaclav Klaus on Friday.

Mr Stepanek, who is 59, and worked extensively for Radio Free Europe in the past, said he viewed the proposal as an honour.