Czech politicians pay tribute to late US Senator John McCain

A number of Czech politicians have paid tribute to US Senator John McCain, a Vietnam veteran and former presidential candidate, who died on Saturday from brain cancer at the age of 81.

In various statements, political leaders described the outspoken Republican as role model, freedom fighter and defender of democracy. Civic Democrat (ODS) chairman Petr Fiala described him as a brave man and friend of the Czech Republic while Top 09 party chairman Miroslav Kalousek described him as a principled leader admired around the world.

McCain will be missed not only by Americans, said the head of the foreign policy section of the presidential chancellery, Rudolf Jindrák.

Author: Brian Kenety