National security council to discuss SOFA agreement

Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek has confirmed that next Tuesday the country’s National Security Council will discuss the Czech-US SOFA (Status of Forces) agreement, defining the status of US troops on Czech soil in connection with the planned radar base. A new round of bilateral talks between the US and the Czech Republic is then to continue on Wednesday, with a final agreement expected by April 11. Defence Minister Vlasta Parkánová said on Thursday that the Security Council should now decide whether to preserve the mandate of Czech negotiators or make modifications. Besides covering the legal status of US soldiers, the SOFA also deals with environmental and transport issues as well as other factors including controls by authorities over construction and taxation.

Author: Jan Velinger