Tuesday, 6 January 2009
National
Cabinet Reshuffle Delayed
Javno/Reuters
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek delayed a reshuffle of his minority cabinet on Monday after coalition partners asked for time to consider the changes that may include the appointment of a new finance minister. "The coalition partners asked for an opportunity to discuss my proposals," Topolánek told a news conference.
National
New poisonous spider species discovered in South Moravia
ČTK
Czech researcher Milan Řezáč has discovered a new spider species called Eresus Moravicus, one of the largest, most poisonous and colourful spiders in central Europe, Řezáč said Monday.
EU presidency
Schwarzenberg: We should not strive for glory
Hospodářské noviny
MonitorPlus Hospodářské noviny talks with Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, described by the Financial Times, as "a thoughtful, humorous, bow-tied 71-year-old", about the Czech Republic's challenges during the EU presidency.
EU presidency
Surprisingly, the Czechs prepared for everything
Hospodářské noviny
MonitorPlus A top secret document advises Czech officals how to survive the EU presidency.
National
Czech gas flow from Russia down 9.5%
Reuters
Gas supplies to the Czech Republic from Russia fell 9.5% on Monday, a spokesman for the country's main supplier said.
EU presidency
Czech PM says has plan to resolve Gaza situation
AFP
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, whose country took the EU presidency on January 1, said Monday he had a plan whose goal is to at least suspend fighting in Gaza following Israel's assault.
EU presidency
Czech EU presidency spokesman keeps job after Gaza blunder
The Earth Times
The Czech EU presidency spokesman will not be fired for calling Israel's ground assault on Gaza "defensive" on Saturday in a statement that outraged the Arab world, Prague said Monday.
EU presidency | Life
Czech EU presidency to offer cultural events at home, abroad
ČTK
Over 600 cultural events in the Czech Republic and another 90 countries where the country has its representation will be held within the Czech EU presidency in the first half of 2009.
EU presidency | Life
Prague to stage Waters opera premiere within EU presidency
ČTK
The Czech premiere of Ca Ira, the new opera by rock musician Roger Waters, former member of the legendary Pink Floyd band, will be staged in Prague on May 1 within the Czech EU presidency cultural programme, Deputy Prime Minister for EU affairs Alexandr Vondra said Monday.
EU presidency
Govt approves EU presidency priorities
ČTK
Ministers approved on Monday the priorities of the Czech six-month EU presidency that started on 1 January and Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Alexandr Vondra will announce them Tuesday.
Prague | Business
Prague has 7th largest foreign tourist number in Europe
ČTK
Prague ranked 7th among European cities in terms of foreign tourist numbers and was one of the twenty most visited cities by foreigners in the world in 2007, CzechTourism agency said.
EU presidency
ČR gets EU support for solving gas dispute
ČTK
Czech EU presidency has received support of the entire EU-27 for finding a solution to the gas dispute between Russian energy giant Gazprom and Ukraine, said Radek Honzák, spokesman for Czech permanent representation to the EU.