Government MP calls for referendum on US radar base

MP Ludvik Hovorka, of coalition-members the Christian Democrats, has called for a referendum on a US radar base which could be stationed in the Czech Republic. His position directly counters that of Mirek Topolanek's government, which is not in favour of a plebiscite on the issue. The MP told the Friday edition of the Czech daily Mlada Fronta Dnes that if it came down to a referendum he would "probably vote against". If the issue were resolved in a parliamentary vote, Mlada Fronta Dnes notes, the coalition government would need to find votes elsewhere for the proposal to pass. Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, who along with the government has tentatively backed plans for the base, has said that he will try to convince Mr Hovorka to change his position.

Author: Jan Velinger