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Klaus, under pressure, likely to sign Lisbon

Compromise between president and prime minister paves way for ratification by year's end

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The opinions expressed in this discussion do not necessarily represent those of The Prague Post.

#1 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 30, 2009 2:47 am CET

"Hi Karel. Tongue can be in chhek but not forked. Everything I said about eu is true. Also what some German politicians want. Lisbon really does demand loyalty to eu."

You mean to say that you were not joking?
And you admit that in public"
Now,I heard everything!

#2 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 29, 2009 11:17 pm CET

Why, yes, Spencer, I can see a future where the capital of the EU, or Europa, is moved from Brussels to Berlin. After all, it would only be natural, wouldn't it?

#3 Posted by

Kim Winterschtieger
Unregistered user
Oct 29, 2009 11:01 pm CET

Klaus
Just sign the dawn treaty. If not, redraw from EU and live your own life in Prauge. You have shown you still belong to the old Soviet mentality.
The Nazis occupied your country, you punished private induviduals for it.
You have to compensate those innocent induviduals, same as your people got their property back from the cummunists.
Get real. It will cost you as a country but you will keep your bounty.

Discusted.

#4 Posted by

spencer duke
Oct 29, 2009 10:44 pm CET

Hi Karel. Tongue can be in chhek but not forked. Everything I said about eu is true. Also what some German politicians want. Lisbon really does demand loyalty to eu.

#5 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 29, 2009 3:43 pm CET

It is silly to pay real attention to various blogs.Like this one most of contributors are not represening anybody but themselves.
I went to few of blogs in Czech media and found it's content extremelly silly,out of context and self-centered.

As I already said many of the opinions on this one are the same.
Generally speaking,if you are basing your opinion just on blogs,you are not living in real world.

I supposed that Tomas belong to those 15.8% of Czech that are not proud to be Czech-those numbers-48.5% are proud and the rest are not sure were found by the latest opinion poll as publicized in Czech media.

Personally,I do not have any problem with Slovaks-my best friend in high school was Slovak(and I had crush on his sister)I wish them well in their new state.To those who still have problem with Czechs I would say that they should look to their Hungarian minority some of whom have a problem with Slovaks.
This could go on and on.

I don't see it as a valid reason for putting down former Czechoslovakian state,but if you wish to do it-it is a free world(mostly).I am not going to waste my time on it to try to convert any beer cowboy.

#6 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 29, 2009 12:58 pm CET

Spencer, do you get cramp in your tongue, holding it in your cheek for so long? I bet it smarts.

#7 Posted by

spencer duke
Oct 29, 2009 12:10 pm CET

Tony Blair is supported by European centre-right, partly to annoy UK Conservatives who want to stop Europe's progress to a single state. Blair is also supported by Vatican and Christian Democratic base. He is a good choice. One Europe. One People. One Leader. Remember, in just a few days time we are all required to be loyal to the EU and should now hold back our criticisms of EU and any new EU leader. I agree with German politicians who say that Lisbon now means that strong criticism of EU should now be punished by state and that extradition should be demanded for any one in any eu state who criticises eu in illogical manner.

#8 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 29, 2009 11:53 am CET

Tony Blair will be the 1st right wing target; Europe is heading to end of politics where the only ruling party will be the one that rules. The term right wing is even misleading; anywing, is more accurate.

#9 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 29, 2009 1:49 am CET

Jiri; I have read back on some of your writing; it has taught me something. Your observations are good about the celebrations. I was going to write about the TOP9/ODS coalition; now; I can't be bothered. I mean this sincerely; thank you Jiri. ''Leaving'' politics has its place.
My language you found offensive; had to be offensive; on my part. I appologise if it upset you.
The truth will set me free; but only my own truth. Regarding these years of' bad moon' as Mr Havel suggested; they did exsist; now history. I have to much to do in other areas of life than dwell on future; or past. I will continue to write in the PP; but not to that degree. As we both know; the polititions will always be here; I wish you well Jiri; Ian

#10 Posted by

spencer duke
Oct 29, 2009 1:00 am CET

All these stories of atrocities? Are these not just fairy tales built by anglo-american opposition to europe's unification? at last europe will forge a new future with a strong leader for the whole of europe. long live lisbon and the european union!

#11 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 29, 2009 12:16 am CET

Tomase, here in Australia we celebrate our national day on the 26th of January. This is the date of the first landing by the British on the continent of Australia in 1788, before any white habitation had even begun. It celebrates the first footfall on Australian soil by men whose intention was to settle here, though white men had previosly set foot here well before that, but only to have a quick look around. The actual date of the federation of the Australian states, the colonies, was the 1st of January, 1901, but this is not known as Australia Day and it is not a date we celebrate. So, Australia, as legal entity did not come into being until 1901, yet we ignore that date in our celebrations. Curious, don't you think? Different from your own circumstances in the CR, but every bit as curious I would say.

#12 Posted by

Eddie Yates
Unregistered user
Oct 29, 2009 12:13 am CET

The Lisbon Treaty is nothing more than a declaration of The European Government. Forget your country if you sign the treaty, and help save the rest of us who's government have already signed in an act which equates to treason.

Be strong Klaus, DONT SIGN.

#13 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 29, 2009 12:07 am CET

Jiri, I would never try to minimize the horrors of Lidice and Lezaky. But, you have to put things into perspective. These horrors occurred because of the assassination of Himmler's deputy, Heydrich. In comparison with Poland and the occupied USSR, the Czechs got off relatively lightly. Somewhere I have read that the Germans murdered 40,000 Czechs during the war(excluding Jews) out of a population of around 6 million Czechs. Compare that with the 3 million Poles(excluding 3 million Polish Jews) and the millions of Byelo Russians, Ukrainians and Russians. Also, I have read that the Germans considered Bohmen-Mahren one of the quietest places in the Reich, probably because there was little serious resistance, until the final weeks of the war. And I have written before that my father was required to work in Germany from 1942-45 - forced labourer. The Czechs who had to do this were treated the same as the French, Danes, etc in the same circumstances. However, the Poles and Russians(the Russians prefaced all their replies with "Batyushka Stalin Skazau" - according to Comrade Stalin) with whom he worked were treated differently - they received only half rations, and my father used to share his rations with them so they had enough to eat! Also, Czechs were able, until well into 1944, to travel anywhere in the Reich, which Poles and Russians were not. And then, there was the ample supply of German women for other pursuits! Everything in proportion Jiri. Poland, Ukraine and Russia were charnel houses, Bohmen-Mahren was not.

Btw, I think the greatest photo of the 20th century is the one of the Red Army soldier standing atop the Reichstag holding the Soviet flag(even though it was staged, and even though that soldier had to remove a number of stolen watches from his wrist and forearm before a second photo, the one we all know, was taken). I draw a lot of inspiration from that photo.

#14 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 28, 2009 10:43 pm CET

Overall reports of the 'Interm cabinet' show a cabinet that is doing a lot of good work. In some ways; the calm after the storm is creating the post Havel presidency feeling of inclusion. Credit has to be given here; time to move on.

#15 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 28, 2009 7:01 pm CET

TOP 9 endorsement of the E.U. treaty makes common sense. In all this; Mr Klaus should not be left with the pre E.U. problems of political infighting; that was clearly in the parliaments domain. I expect there were times the President wondered what was going on. At least things are moving forward; and in the main; thats good.

#16 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 6:01 pm CET

Here are three blogs from idnes:

Ha, ha ....
Vaclav Klaus oslavuje vyroci statu ktery s Meciarem bez referenda , bez toho aby se ptal na nazor obcanu , zrusil . ;-D8-oRv.

Re: Ha, ha ....
zaplapánbu

Re: Ha, ha ....
suhlasim

#17 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 5:59 pm CET

Here is another "lahudka" blog from idnes:

Re: 91 let Ceskeho statu????
to je vsetko pravda, ale tu sa jedna o fakty.. Ceskoslovensko neznamena Cesko... tod vse.. a mozes sa vytacat ako chces, pretoze ak tam davas "=", tak tym len potvrdzujes, ze Cesi brali Slovensko a Zakarpatsku Rus ako kolonie...

#18 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 5:57 pm CET

Here is another blog from idnes:

Re: 91 let Ceskeho statu????
Tam je napsáno "Česko slaví 91 let od vzniku samostatného státu.". Nikde se nepíše, že to byl český stát. Ale je fakt, že mi připadá absurdní, aby představitelé jednoho státu takhle bombasticky slavili výročí vzniku nějakého úplně jiného státu, navíc již zaniklého a velmi podivného, který byl od začátku postaven na hysterickém nacionalismu, v první fázi své existence si proti sobě dokázal poštvat víc než polovinu svého obyvatelstva (Němce, Slováky, Maďary i Židy) a ve druhé fází se sám ochotně zaprodal totalitnímu režimu).

Kind of sums up the "celebrations" going on here in Praha.

#19 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 5:47 pm CET

Sorry folks but the link didn't post, it was cut off. So anyhow it's in today's www.lidovky.cz under the title "Česko slaví 28. říjen: Prahou šel průvod rytířů i odpůrců Lisabonu"

#20 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 5:45 pm CET

Try this link again:
http://www.lidovky.cz/cesko-slavi-28-rijen-prahou-sel-pruvod-rytiru-i-odpurcu-lisabonu-pwt-/ln_domov.asp?c=A091028_091546_ln_domov_pks

#21 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 5:43 pm CET

Typical Jiri,
japping BS he has no clue about. I just got back from a walk from north Prague (where I live) down to Troja and back. There were no celebrations anywhere. No flags on the trams, no red, white and blue banners.... nothing. One could not even tell that it was supposed to be a state holiday. In the past on days like 17th of November all trams were decorated with state flags etc. Yes Klaus had some nonsensical speeches on Vitkov and at the Prague castle but other than that the people that went out and marched were monarchists wanting a monument for some Czech general who served the Monarchy (quite a paradox).
http://www.lidovky.cz/cesko-slavi-28-rijen-prahou-sel-pruvod-rytiru-i-odpurcu-lisabonu-pwt-/ln_domov.asp?c=A091028_091546_ln_domov_pks

Read some of the comments on idnes or ihned a you will see that a the MAJORITY of bloggers could give a rat's arse regarding Czechoslovakia. Then... there are the Slovaks, they don't even honor the day as a holiday. Give it another 10 - 15 years and even the Czechs will scrap this idiotic holiday. Here a few blogs from "lidovky".

Re: co ma 28.rijen spolecneho s timto statem ?
Nic, ten stát skončil 1.ledna 1993.

Ale krom Sudeťáku se trhli i Slováci
asi ta Československá republika nebyla to pravé ořechové....

Re: Ale krom Sudeťáku se trhli i Slováci
Nechceme osla na Hradě, chceme krále!

Máme co slavit?
Když se ohlédnu 91 let zpět na vývoj v Českých zemí, tak musím říci, že vymanění se z Rakouského "jha" nebyla pro český národ žádná výhra. Začínali jsme jako jedna z nejvyspělejších zemí na světě a kam jsme to dopracovali. Od samého začátku samostatnosti docházelo k vyvlastňování majetku, k znárodňování, vyhánění obyvatel, nejdříve na základě národnostního, po té i sociálního původu, byly zpřetrhány kultutně-sociální vazby, které se zde vyvíjely po staletí A pak přišel r.1953 a měnová reforma a tento zlodějský stát okradl nás všechny. A tak přesto, že tento stát své občany po většinu své existence okrádal, zůstal chudý. Narozdíl od států kteří své občany neokrádaly . Např. Benelux, Skandinávie a mnohé jiné. Takže já, určitě slavit nebudu.

These are only a few, but the internet is full (probably a majority) of blogs that completely trash CSR. CSSR and CSFR. If it was such a great idea or if we Czechs (living in the country today) would really be so proud and patriotic toward Czechoslovakia one wouldn't fine even one critical blog regarding Czechoslovakia. This though is not true. As I wrote... check out the blogs on www.idnes.cz or www.ihned.cz or www.lidovky.cz and you will find over a half of them are very critical of anything having to do with Czechoslovakia. And... apart from Klause's public yapping in Prague, the rest of the country had virtually nothing going on.

#22 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 28, 2009 4:00 pm CET

I only have today; yesterday is history; I hope all enjoy celebrating.

#23 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 28, 2009 3:43 pm CET

Karel,

There were a plenty of celebrations in Czech Republic today of establishment of Czechoslovakia.
All people in high positions as well as ordinary people celebrated the independence day.That is even if Czechs and Moravians, and Slovaks are now living in separate countries.
The riddance of Austro-Hungarian Empire is still important date in history.
Those who do not care are sitting in pubs as always ,drinking their beer and complaining about everything.

I would like to understand your reason for trying to minimize the horror of Lidice and Lezaky.
Why is it somewhat lesser evil than the horror in Poland,Serbia,Russia and France(your examples)?

#24 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 28, 2009 1:46 pm CET

Thomas' it appears the 'normix' has worked; congratulations; Ian.

#25 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 28, 2009 1:44 pm CET

The Czech resistance(3 Groups) operating out of London were democratic in thier approach to the job in hand. Many resistance fighters were trained in Scotland as similar 'landing sites' and land features matched those of North Bohemia. They were the regognised true Czech government in exile. Historians better equiped that I am can tell you much more.

#26 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 28, 2009 1:19 pm CET

Ian, the RAF fighter pilot with the highest number of kills during the Battle of Britain was a Czech named Josef Frantisek. Then there was Karel Kuttelwascher who was for a while the RAF's best night fighting pilot. And there was a Czechoslovak Brigade headed by General Svoboda which fought with the Red Army.

Yes, the Czechs did suffer some retribution from the Germans, but the Poles, Serbs and Russians suffered much more. There were hundreds upon hundreds of Lidices all over Poland and the occupied USSR. Then, in France was Oradour where over 800 people were deliberately burned to death in a church, of all places.

#27 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 28, 2009 12:56 pm CET

Operation Anthropoid was the reversal of the Munich appeasement. The Czech resistance was very active after this. Thier missions were so dangerous; few survived. The Czech resistance may never have gained the recognition it truly deserves; in the communist era; resistance truths would have been 'rubbed out' as it threatened that regime as well. Many in the UK truly understand the price that Czech resistance cost it's citizens. The U.K. although bombed; did not suffer the retribution like the Czech people did. The bravery of these resistance fighters in the U.K. is beyond question; the U.K. is endebted to the Czech fighter pilots and its underground resistance. They helped at a time the U.K. stood alone; that; is never forgotten in this country.

#28 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 28, 2009 12:55 pm CET

Toamse, I'm glad it was only a joke about the movie. I thought I was being stupid, or thick. Vodda releef to rijt you verds!

You have to understand, we of Czech descent out here in the British colonies have been cut off from the mainstream Czechs for many decades and have developed a little bit differently from the mainstream. Oh, I don't mean we have grown an extra finger or ear or something biological. No, but we are really fossils of a sort ,stuck, as far as Czech lands go, in a time warp; we are stuck in 1948 when there was a land called Czechoslovakia and it wasn't communist. And goo dold Taticek Masaryk, the father of the nation. And Mr Benes. Why, we even speak the Czech of 1948 so maybe you would have trouble understanding us. We are sort of hillbillys. You know what I mean. I feel a bit like a someone who has been in solitary confinement for 60 years. Is there still a Czechoslovakia? Please tell me there is.

#29 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 12:09 pm CET

Karel,
the movie part was a joke. I have also read many books about the whole Munich and pre-Munich events. Anyhow... there's probably more celebrating were you're at. Here in Prague it's pretty much all about nothing. People just glad to have a free day from work. Read some of the posts on idnes, lidovky or ihned. People here don't really care about Czechoslovakia, on top of that... many criticize Klaus that he is celebrating a state that he helped destroy... i.e. hypocrite.

#30 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 28, 2009 11:12 am CET

Gentlemen, for those of you who can read German and a bit of Russian, a joke:

The Russian zone, Berlin, 1945. A Russian officer goes into a barber shop and sits down in the barber's chair. The German barber runs his sheet around the Russian's neck as barbers do. The Russian officer barks, "Rasieren, bitte!". The German barber says, "Ya, Ya". The Russian replies, greatly alarmed and with emphasis, "Nyet, nyet ya ya. Borodu!"

#31 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 28, 2009 11:03 am CET

Tomase, which film(movie in USA) are you talking about?

Just the man I wanted to tell that the Czechoslovakian Club in my city today celebrated Czechoslovakina independence. Isn't that a hoot!

#32 Posted by

Tomas Budesinsky
Oct 28, 2009 10:56 am CET

Karel,
The Sudetengermans were joined to the Reich. The Second Republic forged on for a few more months, then Hitler moved in and occupied the Czech lands and Moravia creating the Protektorat Bohmen und Mahren. Slovakia gained quasi independence..... I didn't have a chance to read the book but I already saw the movie.

#33 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 28, 2009 10:24 am CET

Jiri, I am currently reading a book by David Faber called, "Munich - The 1938 Appeasement Crisis". Apparently, it is regarded as THE book on Munich. You can read about the book and its reviews at Amazon.com here http://www.amazon.com/Munich-1938-Appeasement-World-War/dp/143913233X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256721265&sr=8-2

When he returned to London with his bit of paper, Chamberlain was feted as a rock star, or even Elvis or the Beatles would be today, even bigger, dare I say it, more like the Pope, no exaggeration on my part I can assure you. And the town hall in the Welsh city of Cardiff flew the Nazi flag with the Hakenkreuz in it! The British were generally 'over the moon' about the results of Munich and the averting of another war by the great statesmen Chamberlain.

It is a great book, full of detail, and when I finish it I well let you know the outcome(LOL).

Such is the stuff of which total humiliation is made!!!!

#34 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 28, 2009 9:47 am CET

Jiri, my mother never made any attempt at getting any property or possessions back from CR.
When it became possible to do so in the early 90's she was already 70 and figured it was too much effort to go there and fight through the courts, etc, unlike a lot of other Czechs from my city who clung to their dreams of the old days and their 'rightful' ownership of property, and who returned to the CR and died there. We are not terribly acquisitive in my family. One house here is enough. And besides, none of the stuff my mother had a right to claim was ever mine. It's too late for her to do anything as she is well into her 80's, and me, well, as I just said, none of it was ever mine. Others now own it, people I have never heard of. All gone .... all gone. Co bylo to bylo, co je to je. Btw, my mother and her family were centred on the Dobruska/Nachod area, same as the author Josef Skvorecky whom I believe is a Canadian citizen.

#35 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 28, 2009 8:59 am CET

Jiri; I am in the E.U.; and have less time for the C.R.; the situation in Moldova i requires a modest contribution, as well as that of my own community.

#36 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 28, 2009 4:11 am CET

"Jiri, today, 28th October, is Czechoslovak independence day. It is celebrated as such by the Czech community in my city. The community has clubrooms which have a name - the Czechoslovakian Club - despite the split into separate states in 1993. This club was founded by my mother in 1949."

I am happy for you and your mother that they feel so strongly for the state of Czechoslovakia.As you know here is only October 27th.I am sure that there will be a celebration in Czech Republic too.In fact it is(I think) about 4aOct28) in Czech Republic.Way too soon to do anything.It is about 8pm(Oct27) here on west coast of North America.

Karel,did your family try to get return of your properties in Northern Moravia?
I believe that anybody who lost their property after communist putch in 1948 has a fair chance to get it back.It is probably costly and time consuming but why don't go for it?
Just a thought.
Enjoy your celebration.

#37 Posted by

Karel Bures
Oct 28, 2009 3:26 am CET

Jiri, today, 28th October, is Czechoslovak independence day. It is celebrated as such by the Czech community in my city. The community has clubrooms which have a name - the Czechoslovakian Club - despite the split into separate states in 1993. This club was founded by my mother in 1949.

#38 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 28, 2009 3:16 am CET

Ian,from your past comments I understand that you are maybe in Czech Republic for many years.
I also understand that you had some raw deals from life.
I am curious,how long have you been in the country?

I had some disagreements with you in the past about the politics but I agree with Louis that you are basically a decent human being.Sure,somethimes irrelevant but still very decent despite your usage of what some would say improper language.

Thanks for trying to be a referee.

#39 Posted by

Stuart Neilson
Unregistered user
Oct 27, 2009 7:36 pm CET

I am very sorry to read this article. If the Czech Republic can hold out until May or June next year the new Government in the UK will refuse to sign up to this appalling constitution.

The people of the UK do not want this which is why we are not being allowed a referendum. You should not be bullied into it either.

#40 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 27, 2009 6:07 pm CET

louis I have spent many years working in society with people in pain and illness. Life is to precious to forget the basics of human need and help. I will think of you as you struggle with lifes real problems; most which require simple human compassion.

#41 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 27, 2009 5:38 pm CET

Ian agreed you are a wonderful person, by the way, I have much more important matters to think about my nephew Francis, I am his Godfather as well, has Multiple Sclerosis and the last symptom is affecting him seriously, I have my mother in a clinic where she had a surgery and I am myself with health problems after an accident, and last but not least another young relative has a tumour in his brain, so as you can imagine I have enough problems much more serious than any discussion about what will do Mr. Klaus and in fact I don't give a penny for any of our former properties in Bohemia and Moravia. There are more important things in life right now, like my dear Francis' health. To anybody who is a believer at home we are quite devote to the Little Jesus of Prague, so pray for Francis, Xavier my mother, all they need a miracle and a speedy recovery. Is tragic to see two young guys one with MS and the other one with cancer, kindest regards Louis

#42 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 27, 2009 5:05 pm CET

jiri&louis I'm asking you both to moderate and compromise a little; please; its a modest request from me in person; I hope you will consider this request.

#43 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 27, 2009 3:53 pm CET

"You are destined to spend your life in Argentina. I do not believe anymore that you have any claim that would be addressed favourably either in Czech or European courts.
Many did but you are not one of them".

Jiri I don't care if my family recovers any property in the Czech Republic, even I didn't think about the issue, especially lately when I have to face personal and family problems, which are much more important in my life than this discussion. But I defend the rights of those who weren't Nazis and in spite of this fact, and even after suffering persecution and concentration camps under the Third Reich were treated as third class citizens by Benes and his government, and I defend as well the rights of those who were from Austrian or Hungarian origin that suffered the same fate, I agree with you that I was a little bit stupid with my definition of "plebs", but the fact is that most members of the BNP are people with no culture or whatsoever and as The Times and the Daily Telegraph described them many times are real extremists, like those that you have inside your country and had an outrageous behaviour with the Roma from Czechia, as was denounced by various governments and Human Rights groups. There cannot be a real democracy if you don't respect the right of minorities, the same rights that enjoy the vast majority of the population of the former lands of your national hero Saint Wenceslas. Last but not least I am very happy to live in Argentina (with all the problems that we have including the worst elected government in our history), and even going to Europe many times during the year I am not thinking to move to any European country.

#44 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 27, 2009 3:42 pm CET

The period of transition; like Europe from 1946; will contine. Mr Klaus has so much to offer. Transitional periods by definition are not always easy. In some ways if the Lisbon Treaty consisted of a scap of paper that said;
'We shall try and improve' would be best. Looking back in Europe over 100 years there has been much improvement; some periods were very black and dark; it is in those that Europe needs to ensure dialouge never allows that excess does not happen again. Now in late Autumn; many will look forwards to Christmas, the seasons are transitional. I hope there is no flooding that might damage Charles bridge; I will see if I have a recording of 'Bridge over troubled waters'; like most people, modest improvement is not a lot to ask.

#45 Posted by

rico spat
Unregistered user
Oct 27, 2009 11:12 am CET

I'm ready to support Klaus...anybody knows if there will be a demostration? :)

#46 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 27, 2009 9:56 am CET

The polititions 'Leaving'

#47 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 27, 2009 6:13 am CET

" Klaus will be forced to sign the treaty and nothing will be granted to him and his "fascist" or "communists" supporters."

Louis,you are full of bile and I am afraid that you are going to drown in it.
Relax,old boy,Czechs will do what they will do and you and your ilks can't do nothing about it.So just keep on dreaming.'What you call a betrayal of your "beloved" but assinine former Austro-Hungarian Empire was and still is the reconstruction of a free nation of Czechs no longer oppressed by "stuffy"dynasty (and also no more weighted down by communist dictatorship).
Your smallmindedness- while hinted many times before on this blog- surely came even more forward by calling people in Great Britain that does not agree with your viewpoint "plebs."

You are truly inane person and if you think that you are better than anybody else just look in the quigmire of spent nobody's like Habsburgs etc.There,you see?That is you ,perpetual "patolizal" of so called "nobility".

You are destined to spend your life in Argentina.I do not believe anymore that you have any claim that would be addressed favorably either in Czech or European courts.
Many did but you are not one of them.

#48 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 27, 2009 4:57 am CET

It doesn't matter what some illiterate "plebs" in Britain can say or state about the European Union, the vast majority of the British aren't against the EU, which isn't the case of some ultra nationalists living at the Czech Republic or abroad. These people are xenophobic by nature and they hate anything which is not pure Slavic. Funny they speak about the Nazis, which were a totalitarian system as was Stalin's regime, but they have the same concept about Europe, just see what they are still doing with minorities like the Roma population, which caused a diplomatic incident with Canada and other nations. The only country in Eastern Europe, or to be more precise Central Europe, which continues to deny her past in much better times for all the region is the Czech Republic, not Hungary or Poland. The only way to restore Central Europe in its old glories is through the EU and accepts the only reality; the whole continent can progress together for the sake of all the population, or may plunge in the abyss, between the rest of the big powers and new powers in our present world. What extremists in Britain and Czechia can do is almost nothing, at the very end the moderates as Vaclav Havel will triumph. In England the BNP are not only a minority, but they are the direct heirs to those who supported in the 1930's the Nazi regime in Germany, and with Benes and his clique betrayed Austria for a second time and were blind enough not to see the dangers coming from the Wilhelmstrasse, the seat of the German Chancellor Adolf Hitler. After the war, the split in those like Benes who signed agreements with the Red Army, and were mere puppets of Stalin, until the later didn't need them any longer and those who resisted the Soviet occupation in Europe, Vaclav Klaus the "champion" of the Czech ultra nationalists, was a protégé of the Communist regime and those who are supporting him, most of them were members of the nomenclature as Sir Edward Crankshaw described them in his last book about Central Europe. Klaus will be forced to sign the treaty and nothing will be granted to him and his "fascist" or "communists" supporters. Those who suffered all kind of humiliations and persecution, even death and confiscation without compensation of their properties, would see for the first time that the Czechs and European courts will grant them what was denied to them for decades, and I don't mean the pro Nazis in Sudetenland, but I mean those who were openly anti Nazis and anti Communists, but they were expelled as animals by Benes and his allies.

#49 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 27, 2009 2:10 am CET

""I think they can find a way to give Klaus what he wants without it really meaning anything except saving face for him," said Hugo Brady of the Centre for European Reform think tank. "

Well,Mr.Brady it never was anything about President 's Klause ace saving.This kind of mental maneuver is East(like in Asia) problem not the West's.
Like it or not, President Klaus is principled person and he believes(and 60% of Czechs supports him)that this particular adendum needs to be attached to Lisbon Treaty before he signs it.
He has enough of both constitution and international law experts to his disposal and you better believe that this adendum will be meaningful or your "apple cart" will overturn.
I believe that EU official will make sure that it will be meaningful if they want his signature on it.

#50 Posted by

BernardBlogger
Oct 27, 2009 12:01 am CET

The Lisbon Treaty encapsulates a deliberate decision to concentrate power in the hands of a few people. It is a poison pill in sugar coating. Its advocates have used the same Hobbesian fear vision to justify a concentration of power that tyrants have always used. It may just be that President Klaus realises that Lisbon represents the pride before the fall of the EU. Watch the reaction of those bloody-minded anglo-saxons, not the politicians, the people themselves.

#51 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 26, 2009 8:22 pm CET

"The chances of a breakthrough over the Lisbon reform treaty rose on Friday when Czech President Vaclav Klaus, the only EU leader holding out against the charter, welcomed proposals by the EU's Swedish presidency for securing his signature.

"I expect that some solution is possible, in my opinion. I'm optimistic about the whole issue," European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek told Reuters in an interview.

The treaty sets out reforms to ease EU decision-making and creates two new posts, a new long-term president and a foreign policy chief with enhanced powers for a bloc that now represents almost 500 million people.

As a condition for signing, Klaus has demanded an opt-out from a rights charter that is attached to the treaty, saying he wants to shield the Czech Republic from property claims by ethnic Germans expelled after World War Two.

Diplomats say EU heads of government should now be able to agree on a political declaration that enables Klaus to save face but makes no changes to the Lisbon treaty.

"I think they can find a way to give Klaus what he wants without it really meaning anything except saving face for him," said Hugo Brady of the Centre for European Reform think tank.

Czech ratification also depends on a review by the country's Constitutional Court, but it is widely expected to approve it, possibly before the summit. Klaus would then be expected to sign it and the treaty could go into force by the end of the year.

#52 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 26, 2009 7:05 pm CET

Johannes Paul ll bat vor 5 Jahren bei der Seligsprechung von Kaiser Karl l von Österreich ihn als Fürsprecher für gute Politiker und Familienväter zu nehmen. Darum bittend, und zum Dank für alle empfangenen Gnaden, wird am Mittwoch, 28.Oktober um 19:30 h im Bonifatiusheim ,Cuba 2977,Belgrano, Buenos Aires die Heilige Messe gefeiert und die Malteserkirche - Prag

Wir bitten um grosse Teilnahme.

Seine Kaiserliche und Königliche Apostolische Majestät Karl I von Gottes Gnaden Kaiser von Österreich, Karl IV König von Ungarn und Böhmen, von Dalmatien, Kroatien, Slawonien, Galizien, Lodomerien und Illyrien; König von Jerusalem etc.; Erzherzog von Österreich; Großherzog von Toskana und Krakau; Herzog von Lothringen, von Salzburg, Steyer, Kärnten, Krain und der Bukowina; Großfürst von Siebenbürgen, Markgraf von Mähren; Herzog von Ober- und Niederschlesien, von Modena, Parma, Piacenza und Guastalla, von Auschwitz und Zator, von Teschen, Friaul, Ragusa und Zara; Gefürsteter Graf von Habsburg und Tirol, von Kyburg, Görz und Gradisca; Fürst von Trient und Brixen; Markgraf von Ober- und Niederlausitz und in Istrien; Graf von Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg etc.; Herr von Triest, von Cattaro und auf der Windischen Mark; Großwojwode der Wojwodschaft Serbien*

#53 Posted by

BernardBlogger
Oct 26, 2009 3:39 pm CET

Isn't it funny how life comes to resemble fantasy? Check this Youtube clip for the next stage over Europe. The Brits are getting restless.....................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m3F3KyODck

#54 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 26, 2009 9:14 am CET

MR KLAUS; I LOVE YOU; BUT THIS IS MY PEN SIR; BEST REGARDS IAN

#55 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 25, 2009 9:21 pm CET

"'I consistantly asked the gentleman to trim his moustache; we agreed to part company; and I hope he is good health' 'Leaving'"

That's quite funny Ian,if I understood that.
Ciau

#56 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 25, 2009 9:15 pm CET

'I consistantly asked the gentleman to trim his moustache; we agreed to part company; and I hope he is good health' 'Leaving'

#57 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 25, 2009 2:50 pm CET

" I stand by what I say; to abandon the principles of Havel and those who stood with him is a betrayal of all that is true Czech."

Ian,your logic is badly lacking in substance.
You are saying things that are only marginaly true as there are many facets to politics and personal choices in liking or disliking people.To say that there is good in only one of these two people-Vaclac Havel and Vaclav Klaus-is showing misunderstanding and even the lack of factuality in your logical thinking.I am sorry that I have to say it but you have a "split personality" as far as Vaclav Klaus goes.Just read some of your opinions from the past and you will see what I mean.

In this political fragmented Europe the 60% approval by Czechs for Vaclav Klaus is actually astonishing considering the propaganda war against him by his detractors.

#58 Posted by

BernardBlogger
Oct 25, 2009 1:55 pm CET

Re Marian carter......

I'm afraid you may be too late to get good odds on UK withdrawal from the EU. A load of people got bets in before or just after the Irish no vote in summer 2008. Once former foreign secretary David Owen came on Today on Radio 4 calling the EU pressure on Ireland a disgrace then odds started falling as his words reflected a widely held view across Britain. I think you're absolutely right that Britain will withdraw from the EU once Lisbon goes through - it's merely fanciful to believe anything else. I'm not sure if the BNP would actually score 22% in a general election but they might come close and with a rising UKIP vote it's no longer feasible to expect the UK to remain in the EU - that's only a belief held by committed politburo members in Brussels and bearded lectureres in redbrick universities. If you want good odds on any bets, try thinking about the countries that would leave with the uk. Ireland, Poland and Denmark are dead certainties. If Czech Republic can stomach explaining to its population why they can no longer work or get subsidised study fees in the UK and Ireland, then it might remain in the EU. If not then it might leave the EU and be joined by others. Since odds on UK exit have fallen from 250-1 to around 9-1 in juts a year, you be better off no betting on UK exit. Find another subject or go for a nice meal and a holiday.

#59 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 25, 2009 10:01 am CET

Madam; debate requires a degree of reality; If you would like to leave a message with my cat; I am sure your view will receive the due attention it demnads. thank you.

#60 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 25, 2009 9:52 am CET

Havel/Klaus)- whilst the vice president will meet with Mr Klaus; The President of the USA will be writing to Mr Havel in person. The difference in appeal is as clear as night and day over Prague castle. The very essence of Czech victories in democracy has a debt to Mr Havel that few who have ever stood up to represent a people will ever equal in modern times. I stand by what I say; to abandon the principles of Havel and those who stood with him is a betrayal of all that is true Czech.

#61 Posted by

marian carter
Oct 25, 2009 12:18 am CET

Read today's Times or Telegraph. BNP is now polling 22% and growing. UKIP beat Labour in June elections. The Uk is not a deictatorship. If the people want to leave then it will do so. I still welcome any reasoanble, non-partial views on expected departure date for UK,, which is now the most respected view. Just a matter of when. I'd like to make an educated bet as 1000 Sterling is still alot of money!!

#62 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 24, 2009 7:35 pm CET

Re marian carter; the B.N.P UK support is polled at about 3%. The recent appearance on the BBC was a result of MEP results that gave them political time allowance on the BBC. The Lisbon treaty is all but ratified by all member states appart from Mr Klaus who is currently explaining why he has to sign. The UK is commited to the Lisbon treaty and will be a part of the E.U. The UK has a long history in Europe; in particular in defending itself and it's allies from dictatorship. That will never change; the values of this Island country and its way of life are non negotiable to extreme views. The Lisbon treaty is just another step in making sure that European destructive history never happens again. Heated political debate is preferable to 'war declared'.

#63 Posted by

marian carter
Oct 24, 2009 6:29 pm CET

The British National Party are now polled at 22% and usually far-right parties do better in private voting booths than they do in opinion polls. If Klaus signs the Lisbon Treaty then this will be like a red rag to the British populace and will surely be the final green light needed for the UK to leave the EU. I'm now pondering placing a ?1000 wager on UK exit but the odds offered by bookmakers are getting lower by the week. Does anyone ve any opinions on when UK exit might take place?

#64 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 24, 2009 10:00 am CET

'Dear Sir; I have been with you drinking in this hospoda for 5 months; and now you tell me it's a period of transition. Well ..Sir; I am endebted to your contribution; and everybody loves you; I am going to buy you another pivo; just because; you are the most stubborn indivdual a half litre of pivo ever had the chance to wet a moustache. It has been a session; I; if I survive; I will treasure like the headache this conversation has caused the nation'. Thank you..

#65 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 24, 2009 9:18 am CET

'The Lisbon Treaty is a transitory document' ... my cat understands that!!! for God sake...by the man a pen....

#66 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 23, 2009 4:55 pm CET

"you are right in some of your thoughts, but your joke about the contribution of Austria and Hungary is full of contempt for both countries. Central Europe has a unique culture and you and theses countries belong to the same, and many facts caused the fall of the Totalitarian regime,"

I agree that my joke was not very kosher and I don't really mean what I said.
My apology to anybody offended.
As to your criticism of me Louis,I do not eccept that.It comes from person who makes all kinds of false,snide remarks about Czechs and saying that any important cultural,architectural any anything else is only because it was a product of german speaking citizens of former Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Quite apart from the incorrect nature of it is the fact that underlaying your statements is obvious contempt for all that is Czech and contrary to myself,you are not joking.
The readers of this blog can go to archives of Prague Post to see it for themselves-no need to take my statement for granted.

#67 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 23, 2009 1:08 pm CET

Jiri we can discuss almost for a month about the collapse of the Communist regime and the Iron Curtain (including Solidarity in Poland), you are right in some of your thoughts, but your joke about the contribution of Austria and Hungary is full of contempt for both countries. Central Europe has a unique culture and you and theses countries belong to the same, and many facts caused the fall of the Totalitarian regime, I agree with Ian that Mr. Klaus did nothing on this regards, he was just part of the nomenclature, which wasn't the case of Vaclav Havel. So his appeal to stop bargaining in connection with the Treaty of Lisbon comes from a great intellectual, who suffered persecution under the regime, again wasn't the case of Klaus who had protectors in high places in Prague in these times. I cannot continue this discussion, I have my mother's surgery today (she is 91) and my nephew is a little bit better but with this awful disease (MS) nobody knows what comes next, kindest regards and I hope that Our Good Lord will open many minds here.

#68 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 23, 2009 7:02 am CET

Where was Mr Klaus when the people of Moldova took to the streets to protest at the communist regimes 'fixing' of elections in April? Even more alarming; where was Mr Klaus when the brave people of Moldova; assisted by E.U. monitors from France; turned over the communist dictatorship three months later? He was comparing Brussels with the U.S.S.R and arguing that he he has concerns as to 'peoples rights'. When you have that kind of judgement and self obsessed agenda then the Prime Minister has every right to enact any legislation to remove a barrier and danger to true democratic values. Good night Sir! prosim!

#69 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 23, 2009 6:27 am CET

"Who would have thought that in the end the Iron Curtain would be brought down not with a bang, but with basketfuls of sandwiches and hot dogs? "

While it surely is nice to think that it is true,the fact is that USSR was in throes of internal disintegration for many years.Even President Reagan and Karol Wojtyla only contributed to this disintegration.The rot was already spread throughout the Empire and final push was administered by both President Reagan and Karol Wojtyle.Let's not forget Margaret Thatcher in this"triumvirat."
The Daily Telegraph correctly said that this little happening may had been the final trigger to this disintegration.
If it did it was a first time in a very,very long time that those two countries(Hungary and Austria)contributed to the world in meaningful way.

Ouch!!I just got attacked by whole bunch of hornets.

The situation on Hungarian/Austian border that

#70 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 23, 2009 5:59 am CET

" The Court of Strasburg had changed its doctrine and precedents in many cases. So we must wait and see, and you will know that the rule of law abides even the Czech Republic, "malgré M. Klaus", good evening and have a nice sleep"

I am not in business to destroy anybody's "glass castles" so dream on,Louis.
By the way,there is also in my extended family(my nephew's wife)a Multiple Sclerosis.It is now in advanced stage.I understand that in personal way you are suffering.I wish your nephew well and hope that he may get better.

#71 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 23, 2009 4:16 am CET

Jiri I had worked for a Law Firm specialized in European Union Law and Treaties and even they had presented cases in the Court of Strasburg (Strasbourg in Alsace), what you quoted and my friend Alex Waldburg translated is not relevant at all, even less in the future years, when thousands of legal proceedings will start against your government, even in Poland and Hungary they are not using the same excuses than Klaus and his clique (excepting the Russian Federation as Prince Dmitri Volkonsky told me about his own claims few years ago). The Court of Strasburg had changed its doctrine and precedents in many cases. So we must wait and see, and you will know that the rule of law abides even the Czech Republic, "malgré M. Klaus", good evening and have a nice sleep

#72 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 23, 2009 3:31 am CET

"Praha - Evropský soud pro lidská práva ve Štrasburku vytvořil pevný precedent, podle nějž není možné domáhat se restitucí časově neomezeně. Po dnešních jednáních v České republice to ČTK a Mladé frontě Dnes řekl předseda soudu Jean-Paul Costa. Je podle něj otázkou, zda by se po přijetí lisabonské smlouvy restitučními nároky zabýval i Evropský soudní dvůr v Lucemburku. V této souvislosti ale upozornil právě na jasné rozhodnutí svého soudu.

"Nechci předjímat, jak by rozhodovali kolegové u lucemburského soudu a zda-li je vůbec možné, aby k tomuto soudu byla podána stížnost v této věci. Nicméně musím konstatovat, že náš soud vytvořil poměrně pevnou judikaturu v těchto věcech, pokud se týká restitucí nejen v České republice. A v té konstatoval, že není možné se domáhat restitučních zákonů časově neomezeně," řekl Costa.

Soud ve Štrasburku už v roce 2005 odmítl žalobu devadesáti odsunutých Němců o náhradu za majetek zabavený podle Benešových dekretů. Odvolávali se přitom na Evropskou úmluvu. Soud v Lucemburku o ničem takovém ještě nejednal."

Louis,you are hoping that European court in Strasbourgh will give you satisfaction.If you can read Czech you should read the above statement by chairman of Strasbourgh Court.
In this he is cofirming that Benes Decrees controversy can't be used as means for German exiles to obtain their properties in Czech Republic.In fact,he is saying that especially because of elapsing of time it is very unlikely that Court in Luxemburg will accept any other claims.

There you go.

#73 Posted by

Jiri Hubacek
Oct 23, 2009 3:16 am CET

"The current rump Czech state of Bohemia and Moravia -its ancient German population expelled, the Slovaks cut adrift, Ruthenia part of the Ukraine, is witness to the ultimate folly - Woodrow Wilson's ignorance of European affairs and Benes' grandiose dream, it is time to tell the truth and not hide it anymore"."

Actually,it is perfect solution to everything.The Czech Republic is roughly size(both in territory and population)of Austria and/or Hungaria.Czech Republic is certainly not less important than these countries and have at least equal say in European matters.

Where is folly in that,Louis?
Woodrow Wilson surely was far better equipped to understand and to make decissions than you are,the self styled Habsburg apologist.

We are doing OK!

#74 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 22, 2009 7:50 pm CET

Post World war II accounts now being aired from East German citizens in many ways describe the 'enemy within all humans' as testament. When the 'state' with its obsession with personal data; can split a family, then it's a sick state. As Europeans there is a duty never to allow 'state' unchecked powers; there has to be open society that has the means to challenge human rights abuses in all its grotesque masks.

#75 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 22, 2009 7:20 pm CET

THE PICNING THAT CHANGED THE WORLD (DAILY TELEGRAPH, LONDON)

Who would have thought that in the end the Iron Curtain would be brought down not with a bang, but with basketfuls of sandwiches and hot dogs?

How the East was rediscovered and yet that is what happened. On August 19 1989, at the instigation of the Austrian Euro MP Doctor Otto Franz Josef Karl von Habsburg (a name of great resonance in these parts) and the reformist Hungarian Minister of State Imre Pozsgay, it was agreed to hold a "Pan-European Picnic" just outside the Hungarian town of Sopron, right on the border with Austria.

The idea was to open the border for about three hours and allow participants to cross unchecked into Austria, taking a step further a process started two months earlier when the foreign ministers of Hungary and Austria, Gyula Horn and Alois Mock, had picked up some clippers and symbolically cut through the barbed wire.

The picnic organisers reckoned on a crowd of several thousand (it was over 10,000) who would come to enjoy a bite to eat and the removal, albeit temporarily, of the once impregnable Iron Curtain.

What they hadn't reckoned on was the presence of about 600 canny East Germans and even Czechs who, hearing what was planned, thought they would seize the moment to escape to the West.

The Hungarian border guards turned a blind eye and let the East Germans and others through. Although the border was subsequently resealed, a chain of events had been set in motion that led, less than three months later, to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Today the site of those dramatic scenes is an international tourist attraction. The Pan-European Picnic Park, as it is now termed, covers a large area of wild woodland (given how close it was to the border it was largely uncultivated). A solitary watchtower - from which soldiers were at one time authorised to fire - is a reminder of how things once were.

In addition to a gate and some stretches of the old barbed-wire barrier, the site contains photographic reminders of what happened here (with good explanations in English). There are also memorials, including a pagoda presented by the Japanese-Hungarian Friendship Society, some cherry trees and plaques containing weighty words on the joys of freedom from politicians such as the then West German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl.

Interesting though all this is, it is not quite enough to justify a visit for any but the keenest of modern-history students.

The same cannot be said, however, for Sopron - a delightful town dating back to Roman times that contains a wealth of medieval, baroque and rococo architecture second only to that found in Budapest itself.

Just south of Sopron, the Lovérek district is a lovely spot for fresh air and bracing walks in pine-forested hills followed by spa indulgences. To the east, the reedy marshland on the banks of Lake Ferto, a sanctuary for white egrets, great crested grebes and wild geese and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another popular place to relax - and sample the local wines.

Sopron has another unique selling point. The town has some 300 dentists and, while much of the trade comes from nearby (much more expensive) Austria, many of the practices now cater for English-speaking clients. There are worse places you could check in to get yourself a new crown.

#76 Posted by

Eduardo Graf Lichnowsky
Oct 22, 2009 7:19 pm CET

Democracy without Human rights. Its so beaultiful it makes me want to cry!

#77 Posted by

Ferdinand Ludwig von Deneken
Oct 22, 2009 7:12 pm CET

Daily Telegraph today:

"Unfashionable as it may be, it has to be put that the Czechoslovak state as originally conceived was a triumphalist achievement of the French and Americans and a Czech dream confected in the face of the demographic and political realities.

For the French it was a brilliant means of neutralising German power in central Europe by forging an alliance with an anti-German central European state.

However, one third of Bohemia Moravia was the Sudetenland, the homeland of 4 million Germans or Austrians who did not want to be a part of the Czech state. The Slovaks, second class partners, were never at home in Czechoslovakia. The Hungarians in southern Slovakia should have been left inside Hungary, which was territorially so badly served by the post WW1 treaties. The Ruthenians had nothing to do with the Czech state and were tagged on for convenience.

The vindictiveness of the Allies in dismantling Austria so as to disadvantage the German and Hungarian populations was a direct cause of Munich (which was agreed by France and the UK), the Austrian Anschluss and arguably even the Second World War itself.

The current rump Czech state of Bohemia and Moravia -its ancient German population expelled, the Slovaks cut adrift, Ruthenia part of the Ukraine, is witness to the ultimate folly - Woodrow Wilson's ignorance of European affairs and Benes' grandiose dream, it is time to tell the truth and not hide it anymore".

#78 Posted by

Ian Dowie
Oct 22, 2009 6:24 pm CET

The USA joint chiefs of staff have spoken to the Conservative party in the U.K. re security issues and the Lisbon treaty. The E.U. 'map' needs to be united in defense. Mr Klaus may well feel he has valid argument; and has had ample 'tolerant time'. Recent events in Georgia; energy concerns; and intelligence reports need to be addressed. In short; Czechs are an integral part of democratic defense of the European Union, God bless the C.R.! prosim.......