Civic Democrats want to form minority cabinet

The Civic Democratic Party, which won the largest share of the votes in June's general elections, says a minority cabinet with a restricted agenda which would prepare the country for early elections in 2007 is the best way out of the current political stalemate. The Civic Democrats are seeking support for such a cabinet from both the Green Party and the Christian Democrats. Negotiations with the Social Democrats look uncertain. Social Democrat leader Jiri Paroubek has put an embargo on talks with the Civic Democrats until the confidence vote in Parliament, saying his party members would not so much as respond to a phone call from the rival party. Prime Minister designate Mirek Topolanek has until the end of this week to produce a new cabinet and if it is appointed by the president he must ask Parliament for a vote of confidence within 30 days.