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In recent days Czech towns have been commemorating the end of the Second World War. But among the events of 60 years ago that many prefer not to be reminded of, is the expulsion of the German minority (the so called Sudeten Germans) from Czechoslovakia. The expulsion was the culmination of the clash between Czechs and Germans in the lands of Bohemia and Moravia, which had erupted in such a brutal way during the German occupation. But now even 60 years after the war this event still represents a sensitive issue in Czech public life.

Strangely enough for a report about an art exhibition, we start at a train station - the Main Train Station in the centre of Prague. And this is where on May 1st, International Labour Day, an exhibition aptly called "Workers" was opened by its author - one of the world's most respected photographers - Brazil's Sebastiao Salgado.

It has been now one year since the Czech Republic joined the European Union. Radio Prague's Fahima Khail talks to Vaclav Havel and other politicians to assess where the Czech Republic stands in the EU today.

Like Czech society, Czech media have also undergone a crucial change since the fall of communism in 1989. But even though censorship disappeared with the coming of democracy, the Czech press is now facing other challenges mostly influenced by market economy conditions. What are the major papers in the Czech Republic and what is their quality?

Charles University's Faculty of Law hosted its third annual international debate tournament this weekend. Some sixty students from thirteen countries around Europe, flocked to Prague to present their debating skills - in British Parliamentary style.

"At the moment, in the current situation, I do not feel that I am permitted to leave because we have unfinished work, which I will try to complete. I think this is a good reason why the government should continue." Prime Minister Stanislav Gross speaking before parliament on Friday, ahead of a no confidence vote, which his government narrowly survived. But on Friday, it was clear that they would only be able to stay in power in the future with the tacit support of the Communists.

After driving through the snow covered countryside for over an hour we finally arrive at the Balkava detention centre for refugees near Pilsen. Once inside the plain looking building, we walk along a series of bleak yellow corridors, accompanied by a police officer. The officer unlocks a gate for us and we are brought to a wing of the building where there are two rooms and a waiting area. Here refugees come for legal advice provided by non-profit organizations. I take off my coat and begin to shiver, and decide to put it on again. Is there any heat?

Pope John Paul II is a respected figure worldwide. Even though he is often criticised for his conservative stances in questions like abortion, contraception or gay marriages, he still enjoys a great popularity that can be hardly compared to his predecessors. One factor contributing to his general popularity has been his energetic image as well as the enormous number of trips he has made around the globe. John Paul II is also popular in the generally non-religious Czech Republic, even though the reasons for his popularity here may be slightly

All kids in the Czech Republic know it - and most love it. "Ctyrlistek", or a four-leaf clover in Czech, is a children's comic magazine and a very popular collectable; you will find at least a few copies in virtually every household. The comic book, which has been around for more than thirty years, was named "Ctyrlistek" after its four main characters: a human-like cat called Myspulin, a dog called Fifinka, a pig named Bobik and a rabbit called Pinda. They live in a house together and experience all kinds of adventures. Although they must be well

The crisis in the ruling coalition came to a head on Saturday after the leader of the Christian Democrats, Miroslav Kalousek, asked Prime Minister Stanislav Gross to step down from office. Mr Gross rejected the call and retaliated with his own call for the three Christian Democrat ministers in the government to leave the government if they no longer have confidence in its chairman.