Social Democrat Basta set to be second in command at Foreign Ministry

Jaroslav Basta has been chosen by the Social Democrats to be first deputy foreign minister. The announcement came after a group of rebel Social Democrat MPs insisted on the party securing the post as a counterweight to Christian Democrat Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda, who they say is too pro-American. Mr Svoboda has already said he would not be opposed to the appointment of Mr Basta.

Author: Ian Willoughby