Vlček not to go on second Middle East mission, but not, he says, due to controversy of first

The chairman of the Czech lower house Miroslav Vlček has cancelled his second Middle East mission, though not, he says, because of the criticism he faced upon return from his first. Mr Vlček headed a European Union delegation to Israel and Palestine, among other Middle Eastern locations, last week. While Mr Vlček visited the Islamic University in Gaza last Tuesday, members of his delegation met representatives of Hamas. The Palestinian group is currently on an EU list of terrorist organizations. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Vlček said he had not known of his colleagues’ intentions to meet with Hamas and distanced himself from the encounter.

In related news, it was revealed on Tuesday that a third Czech Social Democrat deputy attended last week’s meeting with Hamas representatives in the Gaza strip. Helena Opolecká was with former Foreign Minister Jan Kavan and Vladimir Laštůvka at the controversial meeting alongside Italian reformed communist MP Luisa Morgantini.

Author: Rosie Johnston