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Across the Czech Republic, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have become something of a phenomenon in the last year or so. Stores are opening up on streets in the country’s towns and cities selling these nicotine replacement devices. The rise of the e-cigarette in the Czech Republic mirrors its growing popularity for smokers seeking to kick the habit across much of the world. But questions persist. Are they safe? Do they work? The Czech government is currently debating new regulations to ban them from places where smoking is already prohibited.

The Czech Republic will provide consular services for the US in Syria, the Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday, after Poland, which had taken on that function until now, withdrew its diplomats recently. As the conflict between pro-government forces and anti-Assad rebels escalates, the Czechs are among the few who have retained their mission in Damascus.

The 38th annual Summer Film School festival, that took place in Uherské Hradiště last week, attracted over 5000 visitors. This year’s program was mainly focused on Hungarian film and the history of movies in general.

The Czech NGO IQ Roma servis has just launched a new campaign aimed at tackling prejudices against the minority ingrained in parts of Czech society. Making use of snappy headlines in its ads, as well as a video clip showing Roma ‘invisible’ in society unless they are performing music (another stereotype), the NGO hopes to shake up the status quo.

It took weeks for the new Justice Minister Pavel Blažek to decide but in the end, on Monday, he appointed reputable state attorney Lenka Bradáčová high state attorney at the state prosecutor’s office in Prague. Her candidacy – and fearless reputation as a prosecutor – sparked controversy within the government and namely within the ruling Civic Democratic Party, suspected by some of trying to stall or derail her appointment.

The Šumava National park is one of the Czech Republic’s indisputable natural treasures. A vast 100km long stretch of forest running along the south-western border of the country, the area has been protected since the early 1960s and a nature reserve has existed within this zone since 1991. But, the reserve’s new head Jiří Mánek has announced controversial plans to weaken environmental protection there.

Thousands of people – Czechs and Londoners alike – have come to the Czech House in London since the start of the London Olympics. Inaugurated on Friday by President Václav Klaus, the venue offers Czech music, art, food, beer and other attractions as well as a chance to chat to some of the athletes competing in the games.

Czech President Václav Klaus along with Czech government officials and the mayor of the London borough of Islington on Friday opened the Czech House in London, the hub of all things Czech during the 2012 London Olympics. More expensive than the Czech house in Beijing four years ago, it is the venue all kinds of attractions and events for the guests of the Czech Olympic Committee, Czech sports fans, and visitors. Jan Richter reported on the opening ceremony over the phone from London.

The Czech music group Charlie Straight is in London set to perform at the Czech House cultural centre on the eve of the start of the Olympic Games.

With just a day remaining to the start of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the Czech House is getting ready to receive its first visitors. Located in the trendy area of Islington, the Czech House will offer a series of programmes including concerts, exhibits and film screenings, as well as opportunities to meet some of the Czech athletes competing in the Games. But even before the Games began, the venue is already drawing crowds of people who come to see one of the most original artifacts dedicated to the 2012 Olympics – a red double-decker bus