Around 500 people on Monday demonstrated against the possible stationing of a U.S. radar base in the republic.

Protestors, most of whom were young people, criticized the Czech government's policy on the U.S. base and called for a referendum on the issue.

"Our country was not in war for 40 years, and since 1989 we have been part of the military machine of the Untied States," said Stanislav Gropic, chairman of regional council of the Czech Communist Party (KSCM) in Central Bohemia.

"I do not agree with bases and American influence on the territory of our republic," a female demonstrator said.

Signatures were collected on a petition demanding that a referendum on the base should be held. The organizers said they have already gathered 60,000 signatures.

Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek announced on Jan. 20 that Washington had officially asked to start negotiations on the radar base.

The base, located in the Brdy military district, some 50 km southwest of the capital Prague, will reportedly form part of an anti-missile defense system, which U.S. officials have said could be split between the Czech Republic and Poland.

Topolanek has said he sees no reason to hold a referendum on the base, describing it as a "technical" and "security" issue that does not lend itself to such consultation.

Source: Xinhua