Schwarzenberg softens line on return of Čunek

Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg has softened his position on the possible return of Jiří Čunek to cabinet, Mladá fronta Dnes reported. Mr Schwarzenberg had previously said he would quit if Mr Čunek was reinstated as deputy prime minister and minister for regional development. But the foreign minister, currently recovering from surgery, told the newspaper he would now tolerate his return, if Mr Čunek presented him with his accounts and the decree ending a criminal investigation into allegations that he took bribes. Jiří Čunek has reportedly agreed to do so. Prime Minister Topolánek said on Tuesday it was likely Mr Čunek would be reinstated by Easter.

Author: Ian Willoughby