CZECH REPUBLIC: Armed police deploy in Prague after attack warning

Czech police deployed armed guards in Prague's historic centre on Saturday (September 23) after security services issued a warning of a terrorist attack. Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said the government of the central European nation had met late on Friday (September 22) and early on Saturday to adopt extra security measures. "I would like to make sure the citizens, namely Prague citizens, that police and intelligence services are working hard and doing all necessary steps to eliminate this threat and so we can protect the privacy and freedom of all the citizens," Topolanek said during a news conference in Prague. Police deployed guards around dozens of buildings in the historic capital of 1.2 million, which is a magnet for foreign tourists. Armed police also patrolled central Prague. Interior Minister Ivan Langer said the threat was serious and was the first time the country had faced such a risk of "terrorist attack". "The government came to a conclusion that there was a threat of a terrorist attack in Prague, and therefore we decided to put in place stronger security measure in various areas," Langer told a news conference. He said information on the possible attack was obtained through cooperation between Czech and foreign security services. Langer said the government did not have any further information about the threat. The Czech Republic has a small military unit in Afghanistan and military police instructors in Iraq. It has not been a target of terrorist attacks in past years.

ITN Source | September 24, 2006

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