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 STUDENTS' E-MAIL NEWS FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC Charles University in Prague Faculty of Social Sciences Smetanovo nabr. 6 110 01 Prague 1 Czech Republic e-mail: CAROLINA@mbox.fsv.cuni.cz tel: (+4202) 22112252, fax: (+4202) 24810987 *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* C A R O L I N A No 348, Friday, October 22, 1999. FROM THE EVENTS OF THE PAST WEEK (October 13 - October 20) ODS Super-Coalition Proposal Rejected The Civic Democratic Party's (ODS) idea for a super-coalition of all parties in Parliament except the Communists was rejected October 19 by the Four-Party Coalition (the Freedom Union, the Christian Democrats, the Civic Democratic Alliance and the Democratic Union). After negotiations with ODS and Chamber of Deputies Chairman Vaclav Klaus, representatives of the Four-Party Coalition announced they would discuss the super-coalition only if the Opposition Contract between the ruling Social Democrats and ODS were revoked. Neither party, however, is intending to withdraw from the contract. "We refuse to act in the farce directed by ODS and the Social Democrats," said Freedom Union Chairman Jan Ruml. The Four-Party Coalition also does not want the Communists to be the only opposition party. Some reservations about a super-coalition were also expressed by the Social Democrats. They prefer to continue governing according to the Opposition Contract, but they say they are ready to negotiate on certain minor changes. Michaela Kleckova/Jakub Jirovec European Commission Report Very Critical "Work on the restructuring of industry, reforms in state administration, the judiciary, state subsidies and the environment are insufficient and do not correspond to the obligations that the Czech Republic has made," says a highly critical report from the European Commission evaluating the Czech Republic's preparations for EU membership. The report's 100 pages were published October 14 in Prague The European Commission pointed out the slow tempo of Czech legislative harmonization to European standards, the insufficient fight against corruption and the practical halt in privatization and deregulation. The Cabinet's plan for the revitalization of heavy industry with state money was also criticized. The European Commission also brought up the problem of Czech racism against Romanies - the report cites insufficient efforts against discrimination, the Romanies' requests for exile in Great Britain and the building of a wall to separate whites from Romanies in Usti nad Labem's Maticni Street. Commissar for EU Expansion Gunter Verheugen said the wall in Maticni Street (see below) is influencing the reputation of the Czech Republic as a modern and civilized democracy. Chamber of Deputies Chairman Vaclav Klaus said the Czech Republic is not building any walls: "It was built by one town hall as a solution to a terribly difficult interpersonal problem, and if someone wants to make this into an international incident, I am very disappointed." Foreign Minister Jan Kavan said he is aware of the unanimously critical nature of the report, but he stressed that the Czech Republic still remains in the first wave of candidate countries to join the EU. He said he considers the report a challenge to work hard. President Vaclav Havel said the Czech Republic needs a government that will have confidence, energy and aggressiveness. He said a majority government could more easily and quickly meet such conditions. Tereza Tesarikova/Jakub Jirovec Fence Remains Despite Federal Displeasure It took only nine hours October 13 to build a wall in Usti nad Labem's Maticni Street separating four family houses from apartment buildings for rental delinquents who are almost all Romanies. Claiming discrimination, the Romanies last week blocked the wall's construction. This time, though, the Romanies did not take action because police were guarding the construction work. The next day, Prime Minister Milos Zeman expressed his wish that the wall be torn down. The Chamber of Deputies October 13 overturned the resolution of the Nestemice Council in Usti nad Labem about the construction of the wall. The chamber's vote is interpreted by some, such as Government Envoy for Human Rights Petr Uhl, to prove the illegality of the wall, while others, such as Usti nad Labem Mayor Ladislav Hruska, say the Chamber of Deputies' decision has no bearing on the wall because there was no need for a local council resolution to begin construction. David Mirejovsky/Sofia Karakeva Irish President Mary McAleese Visits the Czech Republic Irish President Mary McAleese arrived October 18 for a three-day visit to the Czech Republic, her first, with the goal of strengthening Czech-Irish relations. McAleese met Czech President Vaclav Havel October 19 and discussed Irish support for EU expansion eastward. Ireland joined the EU at the beginning of the 70's as a relatively poor country, yet thanks to exemplary economic reforms it has today the fastest-growing economy among EU countries. The presidents also discussed the situation in Northern Ireland, with McAleese saying she believes one day Ireland will be united. Havel emphasized the common Celtic roots of the Czechs and the Irish. The Irish president was accompanied by Chamber of Deputies Chairman Vaclav Klaus on a visit to to the Chamber. McAleese October 20 visited the UN peacekeeping forces base in Cesky Krumlov, had lunch with Justice Minister Otakar Motejl and visited the town. On the last day of her visit, October 21, McAleese was to receive the Charles University Memorial Medal and have a discussion with students. After lunch with Prime Minister Milos Zeman, McAleese should return to Ireland. Lubos Kratochvil/Sofia Karakeva Interior Ministers Discuss EU Integration The main subjects of the meeting of the interior ministers of the Visegrad Four (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary) and Austria in Zidlochovice October 15 were illegal immigration and how to stop it. The problem of immigration was discussed in connection with the planned accession of the Visegrad countries to the EU. All applicants will have to initiate visa requirements for Romania and countries belonging to the former Soviet Union before they enter the EU. Czech Interior Minister Vaclav Grulich and his Slovak counterpart Ladislav Pittner agreed to strengthen security on their eastern borders. If Grulich receives the finances promised him by the recently rejected budget (see below), border security will by the end of next year correspond to the requirements of the EU's Schengen Agreement. Marika Pechackova/Veronika Hankusova Czech Airlines Marked Romanies on London Passenger Lists Last week it was revealed that Czech Airlines (CSA) had for some 18 months been marking on passenger lists of flights to London all those who looked like Romanies. When the first larger waves of Romany applicants for exile in Britain began about a year and a half ago, the London manager of CSA requested that all possible Romanies be marked on the passenger lists with a "G" for Gypsy. CSA said the marking was an internal measure and all airlines mark passengers according to various criteria. CSA says it is planning to apologize to the Romanies. The speaker of the International Air Traffic Association (IATA) said it had never encountered anything similar. Iva Potrebova/Veronika Hankusova Jean-Marie Le Pen Visits the Czech Republic Jean-Marie Le Pen, chairman of the National Front (a French nationalist party) arrived in Prague October 14 as the guest of Miroslav Sladek, chairman of the neo-fascist Republican Party (SPR-RSC). Le Pen was greeted at the airport by a small group of SPR-RSC members and several dozen protesters, among them students of the French-Czech bi-lingual Jan Neruda Lycee. "Nationalists of all countries, unite," said Le Pen at his press conference in Prague's Ruzyne Airport, where he tried to promote his idea of Euronat - the international association of European nationalist parties, which he considers to be an alternative to the European Union. Le Pen's stay in the Czech Republic was accompanied by several demonstrations, organized mainly by young people and students. Pavel Korinek/Jaroslav Sauer Owner of TV Nova License Will Not Change The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting did not approve a capital increase for TV NOVA license-holder CET 21 October 19. The council claimed the capital increase, voted on at the CET 21 September general meeting, would result in the transfer of ownership of the license. CET 21 is now 60-pe-cent owned by Vladimir Zelezny, who did not participate in the capital increase, meaning a majority in CET 21 resulting from the new shares issued through the capital increase would belong to MEF Media, CET 21's partner for the financing of its new service company, Czech Production (Ceska produkcni), and to Edikon, a company established by TV NOVA employees close to Zelezny. The council said it would have not objected to the capital increase if the basic shareholder structure of CET 21 would remain constant. CET 21 said it respects the council's decision. Jaroslav Svelch/Jaroslav Sauer NEWS IN BRIEF * The Constitutional Court decided that all political parties have the right to state matching funds after elections. Until now only parties who received more than 3 per cent of the vote were able to get the funds. In connection with the decision, the Chamber of Deputies has postponed discussion on the party-financing bill until the court publishes the official decision. * According to Sofres-Factum Agency polls, Senator Vaclav Fischer is the person most beneficial to the Czech Republic. Petra Buzkova and Stanislav Gross of the ruling Social Democrats, who have occupied the top of the list since June 1998, finished behind Fischer. According to sociologists, Fischer enchanted the public with his new political style and fair behavior. Fischer, owner of the country's largest travel agency, said people appreciated his earlier honest work. The person most injurious to the country was, according to the poll, neo-fascist Republican Party boss Miroslav Sladek, followed by first lady Dagmar Havlova and Miroslav Grebenicek, chairman of the Communist Party. * Fishing and game wardens and forest rangers will have almost the same authorities as policemen. The decision of the Chamber of Deputies, which overruled the Senate's veto, will be effective from January. As public officials, these individuals will be able to impose fine or file criminal complaints. Organizations of wardens and rangers, until now powerless against poachers, welcomed the decision, which was criticized by Justice Minister Otakar Motejl. According to the law, the officials cannot be prosecuted for misusing their authority. Petra Kovacova, Gabriela Bobkova/Simon Dominik FROM ABROAD Kidnapped Czech UN Observer Released A group of terrorists October 13 launched an attack on a helicopter transporting five UN observers and their two local guides to Suchumi, the capital of Abkhazia. While the pilots managed to escape, all seven UN representatives were taken hostage, among them a Czech citizen, Major Petr Pokovba. The kidnappers asked for 200,000 USD in ransom to releasing the hostages, and threatened to kill them one by one. UN authorities refused to pay the ransom, knowing that if they would yield to blackmail, more kidnappings could follow. They started negotiating, which led to the release of four hostages. Besides Pokovba, a German, a Greek, a Uruguayan and a Swiss observer were set free October 14. The conditions for the release of three remaining hostages - a Greek, a Swede and a Russian translator - are still being negotiated. Darina Johanidesova/Jaroslav Sauer FROM SLOVAKIA Unofficial Visegrad Summit in the High Tatras The political leaders of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - Milos Zeman, Viktor Orban, Jerzy Buzek and Mikulas Dzurinda, respectively - met in Javorina October 15 at a two-day, unofficial summit of the Visegrad Four called No Suits. Cooperation between the countries began in 1991 (when Czechoslovakia still existed) in Visegrad, Hungary. The meeting followed official talks held in Bratislava in May. This time, the leaders agreed to create a fund to support joint research, education, cultural and sports projects. Visa policies were also discussed, particularly the possibility of imposing visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens. The summit failed to achieve an agreement, because Poland and Hungary voted against visa requirements. The leaders agreed to found a joint institution to battle international organized crime and economic crime. Czech Prime Minister Zeman asked for support in investigating the affair of light heating oils, which involves billions of crowns of untaxed income. The summit also discussed the integration of the countries into the EU and the European Commission's reports on the readiness of EU candidate countries. Radka Kohutova/Ondrej Maly Slovakia Gets Hope from EU The annual report from the European Commission was a disappointment for the Czech Republic, but Slovakia has been in a good mood since the report's publication. The commission particularly praised progress in the area od democratic rights. Slovakia itself claims with optimism that 90 per cent of the conditions necessary to join the EU have been met, and now the Government is going to give all its energies toward fulfilling the remaining 10 per cent. Those matters include social issues (the situation of the Romany minority), economic issues (unfinished restructuring, bank privatization) and judicial ones (corruption and the insufficient fight against organized crime). Official sources also say the report arrived at the right time, because after one year in office the Cabinet of Premier Mikulas Dzurinda was encountering some not insignificant problems. Thanks to the efforts of the Government, Slovakia now might be invited for official talks on membership as soon as next year, despite Slovakia having always been part of the second group of potential EU members. A similar satisfaction from the annual commission reports was shown by Lithuania, Malta, Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania. Slovakia, however, received the most positive evaluation. The EU has also changed its negotiating procedure: talks will be held with those countries ready for membership, regardless of whether the country had been in the first or second group. Daniela Vrbova/Daniela Vrbova Slovakia Ends Candidacy for UN Security Council in Favor of Ukraine The UN General Assembly's October 14 vote on a non-permanent member of the Security Council from Eastern Europe turned into a struggle between two candidates - Slovakia and Ukraine. In the third round of voting, Slovakia gave up its candidacy. A two-thirds majority of 114 votes was necessary for election; in the first round, Ukraine got 92 votes and Slovakia 79. Foreign Minister Eduard Kukan said he remained optimistic, but knew a difference of 13 votes was considerable. The second round of voting was not decisive. After repeated votes, the chairperson of the assembly can propose the matter be decided by a simple majority, which then would have to be approved by a two-thirds majority. Then Slovakia, represented by Kukan, gave up its candidacy in favor of Ukraine. Ukraine's membership will begin January 1, together with Bahrain, Brazil, Gabon and Gambia. Andrea Slovakova/Andrea Slovakova Change at Economy Ministry Slovak Economy Minister Ludovit Cernak resigned October 19. Premier Mikulas Dzirinda immediately nominated Lubomir Harach, chairman of the Democratic Union and a member of the National Assembly, to replace Cernak. The suggestion was made on the basis of an agreement by the parties of the governing coalition. President Rudolf Schuster should officially name Harach the new minister October 21. The Democratic Union said it stopped supporting Cernak as minister to in the public interest. The opposition had for some time criticized Cernak's moves, but a proposal to take a confidence vote on Cernak was rejected by the National Assembly at the end of September. Coalition party members also criticized Cernak, particularly in connection with the Nafta Gbely case. After former Transportation Minister Gabriel Palacka, Cernak is the second minister of Dzurinda's Goverment to leave. Andrea Slovakova/Andrea Slovakova ECONOMY Chamber of Deputies Rejects Government's 2000 Budget Proposal Parliament's Chamber of Deputies October 20 rejected the Government's proposed 2000 budget with its deficit of 39.8 billion crowns. Besides the ruling Social Democrats, the budget proposal was supported by the Communists, but together the two mustered only 96 votes in the 200-seat chamber. Finance Minister Pavel Mertlik now has 30 days to adjust the budget according to the chamber's comments. The Civic Democratic Party (ODS), the Freedom Union and the Christian Democrats requested the Government not include proceeds from privatization as income. The latter two parties also criticized the Cabinet for not reforming the structure of the budget in favor of greater transparency, and for not preparing legislation to regulate the construction of the budget. The Budget Committee proposed reducing the planned deficit and not using privatization proceeds (expected to be about 13 billion crowns) for transportation and housing funds. Dita Eckhardtova/Michael Bluhm Exchange Rates at the Czech National Bank (valid October 22) -------------------------------------------------------------- 1 EUR = 36.760 country currency CZK ------------------------------------------ Australia 1 AUD 22.161 Great Britain 1 GBP 56.932 Denmark 1 DKK 4.945 Japan 100 JPY 32.154 Canada 1 CAD 22.969 IMF 1 XDR 47.523 Hungary 100 HUF 14.271 Norway 1 NOK 4.416 New Zealand 1 NZD 17.603 Poland 1 PLN 8.292 Greece 100 GRD 11.150 Slovakia 100 SKK 84.035 Slovenia 100 SIT 18.682 Sweden 1 SEK 4.180 Switzerland 1 CHF 23.083 USA 1 USD 34.138 Exchange Rates of countries participating in the euro (converted from the euro rate) country currency CZK ----------------------------------------- Germany 1 DEM 18.795 Belgium 100 BEF 91.126 Finland 1 FIM 6.183 France 1 FRF 5.604 Ireland 1 IEP 46.676 Italy 1000 ITL 18.985 Luxemburg 100 LUF 91.126 Netherlands 1 NLG 16.681 Portugal 100 PTE 18.336 Austria 1 ATS 2.671 Spain 100 ESP 22.093 CULTURE Skvorecky and Civrny Awarded for Literature Josef Skvorecky and Lumir Civrny received the State Prizes for Literature, awarded by the Culture Ministry annually since 1995. Skvorecky, the 75-year-old Czech native living in Toronto, is also a co-founder of 68 Publishers in Toronto. Under communism 68 Publishers published the works of authors who could not be published in the former Czechoslovakia. Civrny, who received the prize for translations, took part in the struggle against Nazism and during communism translated French, German and primarily Hispanic literature. Marek Uhlir/Zuzana Janeckova Opera '99 Thirteen professional and amateur operas will perform Czech operas of all genres in Prague theaters during seven fall weekends, as part of the fourth year of the Opera Festival. The Moravian-Silesian National Theater from Ostrava opened the festival with Smetana's The Bartered Bride (Prodana nevesta) October 17. The festival will include operas by Antonin Dvorak, Leos Janacek, Bohuslav Martinu and avantgarde and contemporary composers. Jan Skala/Zuzana Janeckova Transglobal Underground in Prague Again London dance-scene headliners Transglobal Underground played for the third time in Prague October 13 at the Roxy. The group, best known for its synthesis of modern electronic dance music with ethnic elements, this time performed without its star, Egyptian singer Natacha Atlas. The four members of the band took turns as DJ behind the turntables and kept about 500 concertgoers dancing until the early hours of the morning. Transglobal Underground played for the first time in Prague in the summer of 1998 as the closing act on the first of the two nights of the momentous Jeleni prikop dance music festival under the Prague Castle. Their second concert was in November as the opening band for Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Transglobal Underground's recently released second album is entitled Rejoice Rejoice. Michael Bluhm/Michael Bluhm Hudba Praha in Akropolis Although the Czech musical group Hudba Praha is now but a former legend of the Czech underground, they played once more together in the Prague's Akropolis Palace in honor of bassist Jan Ivan Wunsch, who died June 1. In recent years, Wunsch was an editor at the music magazine Rock & Pop. He left unfinished his series of articles on the history of Czech popular music in the 70's and 80's. Jan Vedral/Zuzana Janeckova SPORTS After deadline: Champions League: Willem Tilburg - Sparta Praha 3-4 (2-1). Sparta's goals: Labant 2 (both from penalties), Novotny, Baranek. Sparta was twice two goals behind (0-2 in the 6th minute, 1-3 in the 50th minute), but in the end won thanks to a late penalty-kick goal by Vladimir Labant. Sparta is second in its group with a good chance to advance to the second phase with two games still to play. UEFA Cup: Slavia Praha - Grasshopper Zurich 3-1 (2-1), FK Teplice - Real Mallorca 1-2 (0-2). Second round, first leg. Slavia Ties, Still Leads Soccer League Prague's top teams, Sparta and Slavia, had different troubles in the 10th round of the soccer league. Slavia met Opava's good defense and after its best chances were snuffed by goalkeeper Schmucker and Vagner's shot hit the crossbar, the game finished in a 0-0 tie. Sparta defeated Hradec Kralove at home 3-1, but had a lot to overcome with its opponent's quick counterattacks, especially by the young and skilled Kraus, who scored Hradec's goal. Slavia leads the standings, Sparta is three points behind. Viktoria Zizkov tied Sigma Olomouc 3-3 in a game of two teams from the bottom of the standings, Zizkov's Kincl scored a hat trick. Five of the eight 10th-round games finished in draws. Results of the 10th round: Sparta Praha - Hradec Kralove 3-1, Zizkov - Olomouc 3-3, Pribram - Drnovice 1-1, Opava - Slavia 0-0, Jablonec - Blsany 4-2, Ceske Budejovice - Ostrava 2-2, Teplice - Liberec 1-0, Brno - Bohemians Praha 1-1. Standings: 1. Slavia Praha 24, 2. Sparta Praha 21, 3. Ceske Budejovice 20, 4. Drnovice 17, 5. Bohemians Praha 14, 6. Teplice 14, 7. Ostrava 13, 8. Liberec 12, 9. Brno 12, 10. Jablonec 12, 11. Blsany 11, 12. Opava 10, 13. Pribram 10, 14. Olomouc 8, 15. Zizkov 8, 16. Hradec Kralove 6. Dita Kristanova/Mirek Langer Comebacks Entertain Hockey Extraleague Two Czech Olympics champions, Robert Reichel and David Moravec, came back home from the NHL. Reichel failed to sign the contract he wanted (he was demanding 3.5 million dollars per year) or to be traded during negotiations with his former Phoenix Coyotes, while Moravec was sent to the Buffalo Sabres' farm team, and so both decided to play in the Czech league again this season. Litvinov had taken advantage of Reichel's presence at the beginning of the season and now, after Reichel's comeback, Litvinov has won twice. Moravec lost his place in Buffalo after Slovakia's Miroslav Satan signed. "I was waiting for four days to see what would happen with me. In the end the general manager called me and said it just wouldn't work," said Moravec said after his return to Vitkovice. Despite the stars' comebacks, the Pilsen (Plzen) express chugs on. After three stright wins it returned to the top of the league. League rookie Znojmo has not earned a point since its win in Vsetin and fell to 13th place, leaving only Havirov behind. Slavia won this year's first Prague intracity derby against Sparta after captain Vladimir Ruzicka scored a hat trick. Results of the 12th round: Vitkovice - Litvinov 2-2, Zlin - Ceske Budejovice 2-1, Trinec - Pardubice 9-3, Plzen - Znojmo 5-1, Karlovy Vary - Vsetin 0-1, Kladno - Havirov 4-1, Slavia Praha - Sparta Praha 3-1. Results of the 13th round: Litvinov - Zlin 3-1, Pardubice - Plzen 1-5, Havirov - Slavia Praha 3-3, Vsetin - Kladno 4-1, Ceske Budejovice - Trinec 3-2, Karlovy Vary - Znojmo 6-3, Sparta Praha - Vitkovice 4-1. Results of the 14th round: Sparta Praha - Zlin 4-2, Litvinov - Trinec 6-2, Znojmo - Kladno 1-3, Havirov - Vitkovice 5-2, Ceske Budejovice - Pardubice 3-2, Plzen - Karlovy Vary 4-2, Slavia = Vsetin 4-3. Standings: 1. Plzen 22, 2. Zlin 19, 3. Vsetin 19, 4. Sparta Praha 16, 5. Ceske Budejovice 16, 6. Litvinov 15, 7. Trinec 15, 8. Karlovy Vary 12, 9. Slavia Praha 12, 10. Pardubice 12, 11. Vitkovice 11, 12. Kladno 10, 13. Znojmo 9, 14. Havirov 8. David Luksu/Mirek Langer SPORTS IN BRIEF * Slovnaft Vsetin lost to Austria's Villach 3-4 in a shootout in a European Hockey League game and is in last place in its group. WEATHER It was snowing in Jesenik, among the highest mountains of Moravia, and last weekend there were even meter-long icicles. Still, there is no need for us, the people of the lowlands, to put on hats and gloves, hope yet remains for some final warm weather. Temperatures in the day might rise to 10 degrees Celsius or a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius/50 degrees Fahrenheit or to a maximum of 59 degrees Fahrenheit. But remember, the weather is unpredictable and rain could fall at any time (because it's cloudy all day!). Petra Kovacova/ Daniela Vrbova English version edited by Michael Bluhm ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This news may be published only with attribution to CAROLINA. Subscription is free. Comments and remarks are appreciated. 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