Ukraine: Prague mayor, other Czechs oppose Yanukovych visit
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 February 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukraine: Prague mayor, other Czechs oppose Yanukovych visit, 5 February 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5331450712.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 05, 2014
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (left) and Czech counterpart Milos Zeman walk in front of the guard of honor during a ceremony in Kyiv in October.
Some influential Czechs are opposing President Milos Zeman's invitation to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to visit Prague.
Mayor Tomas Hudecek, quoted by the Czech News Agency, said Prague City Hall will not be involved in helping organize the visit, planned for April.
The mayor cited the ongoing confrontation in Ukraine between Yanukovych and antigovernment protesters who are demanding his resignation.
Several hundred Czechs, including celebrities and political figures, have signed a petition calling for the cancellation of Yanukovych's visit.
Organizers cite the clashes in Ukraine between security forces and demonstrators, and moves by Ukrainian authorities to restrict civic rights.
A spokesman for Zeman said the president, who visited Ukraine in October, has no plans to rescind the invitation.
The spokesman said Zeman supports a dialogue among all the Ukrainian parties, including Yanukovych.
Based on reporting by CTK
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
