Prague wants no part in Yanukovych visit

The authorities in Prague say they wish to play no part in a planned state visit by Ukraine’s president, Viktor Yanukovych, to the Czech Republic in April. Mayor Tomáš Hudeček said on Tuesday that he would not be invited to the Old Town Hall, which is customary during a presidential visit. A number of public figures have called on President Miloš Zeman to cancel the invitation to Mr. Yanukovych, whose country is currently riven by deep unrest sparked by his decision to back away from closer ties to the European Union and agree a loan with Russia.