Paroubek wants explanation for Dalik comments

In related news, Social Democrat leader Jiri Paroubek suggested to the press on Sunday that further negotiations between his party and the right-of-centre Civic Democrats led by Mirek Topolanek - would be halted unless the prime minister explained comments by a close aide - as revealed by the Czech newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes. According to the Saturday edition, Mr Dalik has been trying to woo a number of Social Democrat MPs - including one who recently left the party's deputies' club - to support a three-party coalition excluding the Social Democrats. Mr Dalik denied the story but his remarks were reportedly recorded by hidden camera.

Earlier, Mr Paroubek called on the prime minister to apologise for his aide's words; he has since indicated he will be seeking reassurances from Mr Topolanek that talks between the Social and Civic Democrats are being taken seriously if they are to continue.

Author: Jan Velinger