CZECH REPUBLIC: Czechs use anniversary of Soviet occupation to demonstrate against proposed US radar

Protesters in the Czech town of Brno have marked the 39th anniversary of Soviet occupation with a protest against a proposed US radar station. Several hundred people, many of them members of the "Ne Zadladnam" (No to the Bases) movement met at Svobody Square in the centre of Brno. They expressed their opposition to the US proposal to build an anti-missile radar on Czech soil, and collected signatures for a referendum on the issue. Washington wants to place 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic, as part of a missile shield against "rogue" states. The demonstrators compared the missile shield to the country's former Soviet occupation. "There is a connection, because any foreign troops staying in the country against the will of the nation can be called occupation," said organiser of the demonstration, Mario Matej. "Regardless of the decision of the government. The situation is not equal to 1968 of course, but it is similar. Just the resistance of a majority of inhabitants gives it a smell of occupation. The crushing majority of people are against it and government refuses to hold a referendum on this issue, which is the right of citizens in any democratic society," he added. Others said the idea of a foreign radar station made them feel unsafe, particularly as Russia is opposed to the plan. "It will reduce our security, because the Russians will feel in danger and they will build up their bases in Poland or elsewhere," said one man. After a short demonstration, the protesters marched through Brno chanting "Never another occupation" and "Referendum". After World War Two, Czechoslovakia came under the sphere of influence of the Soviets, becoming a member of the Soviet bloc. In the 1950's reformist politicians inside the Communist Party wanted to move to a less extreme form of Socialism. This saw a strong reaction from Russia, which sent troops to occupy the country on August 21st, 1968. While the troops were meant to be temporary, they remained for twenty years. After the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, rock singer turned politician, Michael Kocab held a concert to mark the departing of the troops. Known as "Adieu CA" (Cobietchaia Apmia - Soviet Army), the concert featured US rock star Frank Zappa.

ITN Source | August 23, 2007

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