Social Democrats to allow vote on renewing military missions overseas

The Social Democrats are to recommend the removal of a procedural block which prevented a vote on the renewal of a law enabling Czech military forces from operating overseas. Czech forces in Afghanistan and Iraq have been operating under a provisional two month extension ever since a formal extension was blocked by the opposition Social Democrats at the end of last year. Should the mission not be renewed, Czech forces would be obliged to return to the Czech Republic beginning March 1st. However, the Social Democrats have also signalled that this move is contingent on the government abolishing controversial doctor’s visitation fees. Talks are scheduled for early next week.