Opata appointed head of Czech army

In a ceremony at Prague Castle President Miloš Zeman on Wednesday appointed Aleš Opata chief of the general staff of the Czech Army. He replaces Josef Bečvář, who has been dismissed from the post.

Lieutenant General Opata, who will officially take charge at the start of May, says his priorities are to develop the country’s ground forces and to continue to recruit more soldiers.

Author: Ian Willoughby