CCCCC AA RRRRR OOOO LL II NN N AA CC AA A RR R OO O LL II NNN N AA A CC AA A RRRRR OO O LL II NN N N AA A CC AAAAAA RR R OO O LL II NN NN AAAAAA CCCCC AA A RR R OOOO LLLLLL II NN N AA A STUDENT'S E-MAIL NEWS FROM CZECHOSLOVAKIA School of Social Science of Charles University Smetanovo nabr. 6 110 01 Prague 1 C.S.F.R. e-mail address: CAROLINA@CSEARN.BITNET *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* C A R O L I N A No 27, Friday, May 15, 1992. THE EVENTS OF THE LAST WEEK {from May 1-13} Prime Minister Calfa in the Republic of South Africa Marian Calfa, the Czechoslovak Prime Minister, visited the Republic of South Africa last week. His journey was of a historical importance because it was the fist visit of a foreign prime minister since 1960. The isolation of the Republic of South Africa was broken up symbologically. Prime Minister Calfa was welcomed by Frederik de Klerk, the President of the Republic of South Africa. Both representatives share the opinion that cooperation between those two countries should be developed and has a lot of posibilities. The Cyech deligation held its negotiations in the Business Chamber of Johannesburg. Joint enterprizes were discussed, but it was clear that Johannesburg isn't interested in direct investment yet. South Africa will likely import Czech tractors and related mountain moving equipment. Aerospace purchases were a topic of discussion also with Czech L-410's and 610's as well as motor mounts under consideration. CSFR may also win the project competition to construct a hydro-electric power station in Lesotho. The treaty about cooperation between Business Chamber of South Africa and Unions of Industry of Czech and Slovak republics were signed. The treaty should help the development of bilaterall economical cooperation. Meeting of Three Countries The presidents of CSFR, Poland and Hungary met in Prague, on May 6. The three men discussed "middle europe's" relations with the EC and agreed in principle to recognize an independent Macedonia. A document defining the group's relations with the EC, NATO and other multinational organizations was signed. A message was sent to thovo-Nagymorosz hydro-electric power station on the Danube is thundering to a climax. Originally conceived as a common development project of "two brother socialist countries" to provide power and flood control, it has been harshly attacked over the last several years on environmental and economic grounds. The Hungarians contend that finishing the dam would create devestation in the region. Slovak officials think that trying to undo what has been started would be even worse. @echo off cls cd \carolina thundering to a climax. Originally conceived as a common development project of "two brother socialist countries" to provide power and flood control, it has been harshly attacked over the last several years on environmental and economic grounds. The Hungarians contend that finishing the dam would create devestation in the region. Slovak officials think that trying to undo what has been started would be even worse. Czechoslovakia wants to finish the job and have it in partial operation at a minimum. Hungarian officials are threatening to denounce an interstate agreement. Jan Carnogursky claims this is illegal under international law. Although an independent EC commission may be appointed to arbitrate the question, neither side has agreed to participate. There is now concern that an upcomming Czech-Slovak-Hungarian agreement is in jepardy. POLITICAL SPECTRUM OF CSFR BEFORE 1992 ELECTIONS Civic Democratic Alliance {ODA} Chaired by Jan Kalvoda, the vice-chairman of the Czech parliament, the ODA receives the support of between five and seven percent of the electorate. The party currently holds eleven federal parliament seats and was part of the Civic Forum before its breakup. V. Dlouhy, the Minister of Economy and B. Kubat, the Agriculture Minister, and T. Jezek the Czech Privatization Minister are all party stalwarts. ODA's political philosophy is right wing and reformist oriented. Jan Kalvoda is popular among Czech voters because of his strong support for a common state. ODA shares some opinions with the strongest righ-wing party, Civic Democratic Movement. Economy ministers cooperate with the Minister of Finance, Vaclav Klaus. ODA insists on a stronger orientation towards NATO countries, law and constituency, and constituent privatization. Since November 1989 ODA fought for restitution of the property stolen by the communist regime. ODA wants to publish all names of Secret police agents. ODS, christian democrats and small right-wing parties are considered by ODA as possible partners after the election. ODA didn't rule out cooperation with Civic Movement as well. Slovakian partners will be chosen according to their result in the election but ODA's approach towards Slovak nationalist parties make a coalition with HZDS or SNS unlikely. Minister Dlouhy at the University Vladimir Dlouhy, the Minister of Economy, came to a meeting with students at the faculty of social science on May 13. He introduced his views on the development of economic reforms. After his long speech he responded to the questions of students. His speech didn't have to be a part of his election campaign but some of the political questions could't be avoided. Ministr Dlouhy pointed out the danger for economic reform in the case of a break-up between the Czech and Slovak Republics. The Party of Democratic Left-Wing {SDL} With 12-15% of Slovakian voter's support, the SDL is one of the most successful parties in the republic. Its chairman, Peter Weiss, leads a self-declared party of the left-wing, close to the Socialist Internationale. The party rejects of the lable of crypto-communists, but admits that some of its leaders, including Weiss, are former comunists. SDL is critical of radical economic reforms on the basis of weak legislative preparations. SDL would like to exempt certain regions from reforms because they are economically weak. Furthermore, the Lustrace Law is inappropriate because it focuses attention away from more pressing concerns. The party advocates a confederation with the Czech republic based on a new constitution, but does not seek independence. Some election themes have been agricultural crises, increases in criminality, dwindling social programs, and tax loop-holes for the wealthy. SDL promises a modern, democratic state with strong social programs and legislative guarantees. SDL has not chosen a coalition partner, prefering to wait until after the elections. Swedes Down Finns in Ice Hockey Championships In a 5-2 victory over its Scandinavian rival, Sweden took home the gold in the Ice Hockey World Cup May 10th in Prague. Finnland won the silver medal and the Czechoslovak team retained the bronze by beating Switzerland. In an unprecedented upset, the Russian team took home no medals at all. Prague Springtime Weather In a colorful burst of glory, Prague's dormant plantlife lifted leaves and flowers in grateful sun-worship this week. Daytime temperatures have risen to mini-skirt and shorts levels, and the few rain showers have been brief and refreshing. Tourist and downtown price levels are both expected to soar in the following weeks. The outlook for beer continues foamy and rich with light condensation on exterior surfaces. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This news may be published only with "CAROLINA" designation. To subscribe Carolina please send the e-mail message with subject "Carolina/Eng: Subscription" for the english version (and "Carolina/Cs: Subscription" for the czech version) on our e-mail address above. To drop sending you replace the word Subscription" by "Unsubscription". The subscription is free. Comments and remarks are appreciated.