CZECH REPUBLIC: Around 2,000 people demonstrated against plans to build a base for American anti-missile radars in the Czech Republic.

About 2,000 people demonstrated in the Czech capital Prague against a plan to place an American anti-missile radar base in the Czech Republic. Late in the afternoon the protest against placing the radar in the army territory Jince, west of Prague, began at Venceslas Square. The demonstration was organised by the public initiative "No to the bases", referring to the building of one or more radar bases, which united several human rights organisations. The main purpose of the initiative is to collect enough votes and call for public referendum, which, according to the organisers, is the only way to disallow the building of foreign military bases on the territory of the Czech Republic. After several addresses the demo peacefully marched through Prague's Old Town and Charles Bridge to the U.S. embassy, where they protested against the US policy wishing to place the army base in the middle of the country. Afterwards the march and demonstration continued in front of Czech government building. ""The aim of our initiative "No to the bases" is to discourage Americans, who want to place an anti-missile base in our country, whether or not there will be missiles or a radar. I am satisfied with today's action. But I will not be satisfied until Americans decide not to place the base here. We will continue in our protests until victory or until the whole nation decides (in referendum) to place the base here, which I don't think will happen," said protest organiser Jan Tamas. The protest organisers announced further demonstrations in Jince and Prague in the near future.

ITN Source | January 30, 2007

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