Okamura’s claim he was offered post of human rights minister denied by PM and Greens

The deputy head of the Association of Czech Travel Agents, Tomio Okamura, has said he had been tentatively approached about taking up the post of human rights minister, Czech Television reported. However, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Jan Fischer said he had no knowledge of any such offer having been made. The Green Party, which nominated the previous holder of the human rights portfolio in the interim Czech government, also said it had no knowledge of the post being offered to Mr Okamura. Michael Kocáb recently stepped down as minister of human rights and minorities after the Greens said they would no longer support the caretaker cabinet. Mr Okamura, who was born in Japan, was recently in the news in connection with a project under which owners can send teddy bears and other toys on holiday in Prague and other cities.