Possible presidential candidate Dientsbier takes aim at incumbent Klaus

Jiri Dienstbier, a possible candidate for the Czech presidency, has criticised the incumbent, Vaclav Klaus. Mr Dientsbier, Czechoslovakia's first post-communist foreign minister, accused Mr Klaus of spreading negative feeling towards civil society and the European Union; he said a pro-European position would be more appropriate during the Czech Republic's presidency of the EU in 2009. Speaking on a TV debate programme, Mr Dientsbier also accused the president of being a "know-all" who comments on everything from architecture to global warming.

Jiri Dientsbier appears to have the support of some Social Democrats ahead of presidential elections due next year. His backers are hoping the former dissident can unite cross-party opposition to Vaclav Klaus, who plans to seek a second term.