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The country's recently-named centre-right government made up of the Civic Democrats, the Christian Democrats, and the Greens, has won its vote of confidence in the lower house. As expected, all 100 coalition MPs voted in favour, while 98 opposition MPs from amongst the Social Democrats and Communists voted against. Crucial was the absence of two rebel Social Democrat MPs - Milos Melcak and Michal Pohanka - who were absent during the vote in order to uphold an agreement decided earlier this week, in which both MPs pledged to tolerate the government in order to help bring an end to seven months of political deadlock. The MPs negotiated a number of concessions in return, including a promise by the prime minister that the cabinet will negotiate all key reforms with the opposition.

One Czech national has died and one other has been injured in the explosions in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh that killed at least 88 people on Saturday. A Czech Airlines special has been sent to Egypt with medical personnel and a psychologist onboard.

Pope John Paul II died at just after nine-thirty on Saturday evening. He was the first Slav head of the Catholic Church in history. Although most Czechs are not practising Catholics, he was very popular in the Czech Republic, and hugely respected for his role in helping to bring about the fall of communism. The head of the Czech Catholic Church, Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, said the Pope had been a great person and a great Christian. He pointed in particular to the Pontiff's untiring fight for human rights, both before and after the end of the Cold War.

Pope John Paul II died at just after nine-thirty on Saturday evening. He was the first Slav head of the Catholic Church in history. Although most Czechs are not practising Catholics, he was very popular in the Czech Republic, and his role in helping to bring about the fall of communism was much admired. The priest and former Czech dissident Tomas Halik pointed to his huge symbolic importance and charisma.

Pope John Paul II died on Saturday evening at just after half past nine local time. He was the first head of the Catholic Church from a Slav country, and enjoyed great popularity in the Czech Republic. Although most Czechs are not practising Catholics he was hugely admired for his significant role in working for the fall of communism in Central Europe. We shall be bringing reaction as it comes.

Pope John Paul II died on Saturday evening at just before half past nine local time. He was the first head of the Catholic Church from a Slav country, and enjoyed great popularity in the Czech Republic. Although most Czechs are not practising Catholics he was hugely admired for his significant role in working for the fall of communism in Central Europe. We shall be bringing reaction as it comes.