Daily news summary

Czech president says tougher EU sanctions will be needed if claims of Russian invasion prove true

President Miloš Zeman has expressed the view that tougher sanctions against Russia would be in order if Kiev’s claims of a Russian invasion are shown to be true. If Russia is really sending its troops into Ukraine – and this scenario seems increasingly likely in view of the growing number of Russian soldiers there – then a strong response would be needed, the president said on Saturday. He added that the Czech Republic would also do well to increase its military preparedness and take a bigger part in multinational training exercises. At present Czech planes are helping to protect the airspace of the Baltic countries.

Czech PM calls for political solution to Ukrainian crisis

Speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels on Saturday the Czech prime minister, Bohuslav Sobotka, called for a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis. He pointed out that the mutual implementation of sanctions between the EU and Russia had done nothing to stop the violence in Ukraine and the situation was fast spiraling out of control. The Czech prime minister said the EU must initiate political negotiations with Russia before resorting to broader sanctions in order to break the circle of threats and violence. In this connection Mr. Sobotka criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for further escalating the tension by reminding the world that Russia was a nuclear power.

Czech PM backs Polish colleague to European Council top job

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka has expressed support for the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to become the new head of the European Council. The Czech head of government said in talks with the outgoing European Council president Herman Van Rompuy that it would be suitable to give the post to a member of the “new” member states admitted in a big-bang expansion ten years ago. Mr. Tusk’s appointment would send a strong signal to Moscow as Poland has been one of the strongest advocates of sanctions against Russia over its involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

700 Czech soldiers to take part in multinational military exercise Saber Junction 2014

Over 700 Czech soldiers are due to take part in the multinational military exercise Saber Junction 2014 at the training grounds in Hohenfels, Germany starting on Sunday. The ten-day exercise will bring together close to 6,000 servicemen from 17 NATO-member countries for a wide range of military operations. During theoretical and practical training soldiers develop skills in tactics, logistics, intelligence, evidence collection and other areas.

Man suspected of acid attack is in custody awaiting trial

A man suspected of an acid attack against his ex-girlfriend has been placed in custody awaiting trial. The judge ruled in favour of custody for fear that the suspect, who had been living under a false identity and had no employment would try to flee the country. The man attacked his ex out of revenge, shortly after she broke up with him. She suffered serious burns to her face and arms and remains in intensive care. If convicted her attacker could face up to 12 years in prison.

Prague Harley Days underway in Czech capital

Over 1,500 Harley-Davidson motorcycles roared through Prague on Saturday at the start of Prague Harley Days, a two-day get together of Harley owners and fans. The gathering which is expected to attract around 10,000 people, includes side events such as an exhibition of Harley veterans, demo-rides and a concert. Visitors will also be able to admire the newest Harley motorcycles – Rushmoore 2015 and Street 750.

Berdych moves on to third round of the U.S. Open.

Sixth-seed Tomáš Berdych beat 65th-ranked Martin Klizan of Slovakia 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in 3 hours, 45 minutes Friday. Klizan double-faulted on break point to give Berdych a 3-1 lead in the final set. Berdych then saved a break point in the next game with a big serve. He fought off two more break points in the last game to serve out the match. Klizan had 66 unforced errors. Berdych reached the semifinals at the U.S. Open two years ago.