Give Cunek chance to clear name, says Topolanek

Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek has called on opposition deputies demanding the resignation of Jiri Cunek to give the regional development minister a chance to clear his name. On Wednesday the Senate voted to lift Mr Cunek's immunity, to allow proceedings to begin against him for alleged bribe-taking. The opposition Social Democrats criticised Mr Topolanek for not having sacked Mr Cunek. But the prime minister said the case against Mr Cunek was "strange".

Author: Ian Willoughby