Topolanek (Civic Democrats, ODS) plans to initiate the meeting soon, Schwarzenberg (for Greens, SZ) added. Klaus, former ODS long-term head and its current honorary chairman, has clashed with the government over foreign policy several times, most recently last week when Klaus and the government differed in their opinions about the Russian-Georgian conflict. According to Klaus, primarily Georgia is to blame for the conflict, while Topolanek objected that Czech president says Russia poses no threat-press ...
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He also compared the Russian intervention in the Caucasus to the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Three years ago, Klaus was criticised by then PM Jiri Paroubek, chairman of the now opposition Social Democrats (CSSD), for having exceeded his powers. Paroubek threatened with restricting Klaus's foreign trips then. Schwarzenberg told CT today that different opinions are not always successfully united in democracy. He also said he would wish more intense contacts with the president as a discussion is necessary and needed Chamber of Deputies foreign committee head Jan Hamacek (CSSD) said different stances of top Czech politicians on various foreign issues would not contribute to the Czech Republic's trustworthiness abroad. The government is obliged to clarify the stances and try to achieve an unambiguous position of the Czech Republic if it wants the country to make a trustworthy impression, Hamacek said. Schwarzenberg, on his part, pointed out that the Czech government pursues a clear foreign policy. The Czech Republic's official position is that of the cabinet, he added. "Various views can be expressed in democracy and the president has the right to express his opinion as every citizen of the republic," Schwarzenberg said.
(Ceske Noviny)
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