Related articles

In this edition of Czech history, we look at the development of Czech-American relations over the past two decades. Ever since the fall of the Iron Curtain, they have been the pivot of Czech foreign policy. But after the euphoria of the Velvet Revolution and the era of Washington’s fascination with Václav Havel, these relations today are like a 20-year old marriage with no sex – at least according to some current and former diplomats who appeared in Friday’s debate hosted by the Foreign Ministry.

Former Czech president Václav Havel has received the Order of St. George, Georgia’s highest state honour. He was decorated by visiting Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Monday, who cited Mr Havel’s influence and contribution in the democratisation process of post-Communist countries. The honour was awarded at the Georgian Embassy in Prague; after the ceremony Václav Havel expressed the hope that Georgia would see its historic borders restored, reference to the 2008 armed conflict between Georgia and Russia and the separatist republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Mr Saakashvili is in Prague to take part in the 15th Forum 2000 conference.

Burmese dissident Aung San Suu Kyi asked Forum 2000 participants to support the Burmese opposition, in a pre-recorded greeting a few minutes in length that former Czech president and human rights supporter Václav Havel presented at the start of the conference on Monday. Aung San Suu Kyi said she is cautiously optimistic about possible changes in Burma, but stressed that the situation in her country is far from satisfactory. The Nobel Peace Prize winner was released from house arrest last November, shortly after the isolated Burmese regime staged the first elections in 20 years. The previous elections in 1990 were won by the National League for Democracy headed by Suu Kyi. The junta, however, refused to hand over power and she spent 15 years under house arrest. She said in her greeting to Forum 2000 that people in Burma suffer from the absence of the rule of law.

Mr Havel is a vocal supporter of the opposition in states that the international community has criticised for the violation of human rights and lack of democracy, including Belarus and Cuba. This year´s 15th Forum 2000 conference focuses on the theme of democracy and law.

The 15th annual Forum 2000 Conference which brings together world thinkers, former and acting politicians and other public figures was officially launched in Prague on Sunday by its founder, former Czech president Václav Havel. In their discussions, over a hundred and twenty delegates, including Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, the President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga and US economist Joseph Stiglitz will focus primarily on this year’s main theme which is “democracy and the rule of law”.

Today in Mailbox: Former President Václav Havel’s 75th birthday, the Angola abduction, Prime Minister Petr Nečas’s statement on racial tensions in North Bohemia, interview with US Ambassador Norman Eisen, the Ministry of Industry and Trade building in Prague; and we also reveal September’s mystery man and announce the name of the lucky winner. Listeners quoted: Sandeep Jawale, Frank Miata, Andrew H. Dral, Myriam Powell, Charles Konecny, Hans Verner Lollicke, Colin Law, David Eldridge, Jayanta Chakrabarty, Mike Shea, Qian Xiu-ping.

Ex-president Václav Havel is marking his 75th birthday on Wednesday. A birthday party on Saturday was attended by over 500 guests, among them close friends from his dissident days, people from the arts world, politicians, writers and diplomats. Mr Havel’s office says he has received congratulations from President Klaus but also from countless foreign figures, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Emperor of Japan, and rocker Lou Reed. Former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright, who was born in Czechoslovakia and is a close friend of Mr Havel’s, was also a guest of honour at Saturday’s celebration and accompanied him at a public event on Wednesday.

Former Czech president and playwright Václav Havel on Wednesday turns 75. Hundreds of people from the Czech Republic and abroad have sent well-wishes to the man who has become a symbol of his nation’s yearning for freedom and democracy and whose life story astonished the world. Now, eight years after leaving office, Mr Havel is gradually turning into a legend in his own country as well.

Over 500 guests attended a birthday bash for ex-president Vaclav Havel on Saturday. The party in honour of Mr. Havel’s 75th birthday next Wednesday, was attended by close friends from his dissident days, people from the arts world, politicians, writers and diplomats. Among the guests of honour were the former US secretary of state Czech-born Madeleine Albright, who is a close friend of Mr.Havel’s, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg who served as Mr. Havel’s chancellor during his presidency, actor Pavel Landovsky, director Jiri Mezel and the British writer Tom Stoppard.

Over 500 guests are expected to attend a birthday bash for ex-president Vaclav Havel on Saturday. The party in honour of Mr. Havel’s 75th birthday next Wednesday, is to be a surprise event organized by some of his closest friends. The former president who spent most of the summer at his country cottage recuperating from a bad chest infection is reported to be feeling much stronger and is expected to attend a number of public events in the coming weeks. Among the guests of honour invited to his birthday party on Saturday night are the former US secretary of state Czech-born Madeleine Albright,w ho is a close friend of Mr.Havel’s and Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg who served as Mr. Havel’s chancellor during his presidency.

Ex-president Vaclav Havel who has been recuperating from a chest infection at his country house is due back in Prague for celebrations of his 75th birthday. Mr. Havel is said to be feeling stronger after several months in the country and is due to attend a birthday bash thrown by his close friends this Saturday. There are roumours that the former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright, a close friend of Mr. Havel’s, will be among the guests of honour.