Coalition support talks: Topolanek rejects Paroubek's conditions

The leader of the right-of-centre Civic Democrats, Mirek Topolanek has said he rejected the conditions set by Social Democrat leader Jiri Paroubek for his party's support. The Civic Democrats are trying to form a coalition with two smaller parties, but the three would be one seat short of a majority in the lower house and would need the Social Democrats' support to win a vote of confidence in Parliament. Jiri Paroubek, whose Social Democrats came second in recent elections, has said he would not rule out supporting a government led by the election's winners if they reconsidered their plans for a flat tax and the privatisation of public services.

Mr Toplanek and Mr Paroubek are scheduled to hold further talks at the end of the week.