Opponents from Greenpeace and the No to Bases civic group Wednesday staged a protest against the stationing of a U.S. radar installation on Czech soil outside the local chateau in Spalene Porici, west of the country, where Czech ministers discuss the radar with local mayors.
The activists and several local citizens made it clear to the ministers on posters and with shouts that they fundamentally disagree with the construction of the base near Misov, on the edge of the Brdy military district, some 70 kilometers southwest of Prague.
The protesters dressed in soccer jerseys "welcomed" the ministers with a poster reading "Armament World Championships - Brdy 2008."
They wore the masks of some Czech government members and of the U.S. and Russian presidents.
"The Czech Republic will become the playground of great military players and we will become the target in a possible conflict that can erupt between these players," Martin Kloubek, from Greenpeace, told journalists.
People from the No to Bases initiative carried flags featuring a crossed missile. One of them, using a loudspeaker, called on the ministers not to act against the will of citizens a majority of whom do not want the radar base on Czech soil.
The United States unveiled its plan in January to place a radar system in the Czech Republic. The plan also proposes that 10 long- range interceptors capable of shooting down missiles be stationed in Poland.
According to a recent opinion poll, more than two-thirds of Czech citizens oppose the base. In referendums held in several municipalities surrounding the Brdy area, people have voted against the base.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article