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Carolina (English) No 027
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STUDENT'S E-MAIL NEWS FROM CZECHOSLOVAKIA
School of Social Science of Charles University
Smetanovo nabr. 6
110 01 Prague 1
C.S.F.R.
e-mail address: CAROLINA@CSEARN.BITNET
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C A R O L I N A No 27, Friday, May 15, 1992.
THE EVENTS OF THE LAST WEEK {from May 1-13}
Prime Minister Calfa in the Republic of South Africa
Marian Calfa, the Czechoslovak Prime Minister, visited the
Republic of South Africa last week. His journey was of a historical
importance because it was the fist visit of a foreign prime minister
since 1960. The isolation of the Republic of South Africa was broken up
symbologically.
Prime Minister Calfa was welcomed by Frederik de Klerk, the
President of the Republic of South Africa. Both representatives share
the opinion that cooperation between those two countries should be
developed and has a lot of posibilities. The Cyech deligation held its
negotiations in the Business Chamber of Johannesburg. Joint enterprizes
were discussed, but it was clear that Johannesburg isn't interested in
direct investment yet. South Africa will likely import Czech tractors
and related mountain moving equipment. Aerospace purchases were a topic
of discussion also with Czech L-410's and 610's as well as motor mounts
under consideration. CSFR may also win the project competition to
construct a hydro-electric power station in Lesotho.
The treaty about cooperation between Business Chamber of South
Africa and Unions of Industry of Czech and Slovak republics were
signed. The treaty should help the development of bilaterall economical
cooperation.
Meeting of Three Countries
The presidents of CSFR, Poland and Hungary met in Prague, on May
6. The three men discussed "middle europe's" relations with the EC and
agreed in principle to recognize an independent Macedonia. A document
defining the group's relations with the EC, NATO and other
multinational organizations was signed. A message was sent to thovo-Nagymorosz hydro-electric power station on the Danube is
thundering to a climax. Originally conceived as a common development
project of "two brother socialist countries" to provide power and flood
control, it has been harshly attacked over the last several years on
environmental and economic grounds. The Hungarians contend that
finishing the dam would create devestation in the region. Slovak
officials think that trying to undo what has been started would be even
worse. @echo off
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thundering to a climax. Originally conceived as a common development
project of "two brother socialist countries" to provide power and flood
control, it has been harshly attacked over the last several years on
environmental and economic grounds. The Hungarians contend that
finishing the dam would create devestation in the region. Slovak
officials think that trying to undo what has been started would be even
worse. Czechoslovakia wants to finish the job and have it in partial
operation at a minimum.
Hungarian officials are threatening to denounce an interstate
agreement. Jan Carnogursky claims this is illegal under international
law. Although an independent EC commission may be appointed to
arbitrate the question, neither side has agreed to participate. There
is now concern that an upcomming Czech-Slovak-Hungarian agreement is in
jepardy.
POLITICAL SPECTRUM OF CSFR BEFORE 1992 ELECTIONS
Civic Democratic Alliance {ODA}
Chaired by Jan Kalvoda, the vice-chairman of the Czech parliament,
the ODA receives the support of between five and seven percent of the
electorate. The party currently holds eleven federal parliament seats
and was part of the Civic Forum before its breakup. V. Dlouhy, the
Minister of Economy and B. Kubat, the Agriculture Minister, and T.
Jezek the Czech Privatization Minister are all party stalwarts. ODA's
political philosophy is right wing and reformist oriented.
Jan Kalvoda is popular among Czech voters because of his strong
support for a common state. ODA shares some opinions with the strongest
righ-wing party, Civic Democratic Movement. Economy ministers cooperate
with the Minister of Finance, Vaclav Klaus. ODA insists on a stronger
orientation towards NATO countries, law and constituency, and
constituent privatization. Since November 1989 ODA fought for
restitution of the property stolen by the communist regime. ODA wants
to publish all names of Secret police agents. ODS, christian democrats
and small right-wing parties are considered by ODA as possible partners
after the election. ODA didn't rule out cooperation with Civic Movement
as well. Slovakian partners will be chosen according to their result in
the election but ODA's approach towards Slovak nationalist parties make
a coalition with HZDS or SNS unlikely.
Minister Dlouhy at the University
Vladimir Dlouhy, the Minister of Economy, came to a meeting with
students at the faculty of social science on May 13. He introduced his
views on the development of economic reforms. After his long speech he
responded to the questions of students. His speech didn't have to be
a part of his election campaign but some of the political questions
could't be avoided. Ministr Dlouhy pointed out the danger for economic
reform in the case of a break-up between the Czech and Slovak
Republics.
The Party of Democratic Left-Wing {SDL}
With 12-15% of Slovakian voter's support, the SDL is one of the
most successful parties in the republic. Its chairman, Peter Weiss,
leads a self-declared party of the left-wing, close to the Socialist
Internationale. The party rejects of the lable of crypto-communists,
but admits that some of its leaders, including Weiss, are former
comunists.
SDL is critical of radical economic reforms on the basis of weak
legislative preparations. SDL would like to exempt certain regions from
reforms because they are economically weak. Furthermore, the Lustrace
Law is inappropriate because it focuses attention away from more
pressing concerns. The party advocates a confederation with the Czech
republic based on a new constitution, but does not seek independence.
Some election themes have been agricultural crises, increases in
criminality, dwindling social programs, and tax loop-holes for the
wealthy. SDL promises a modern, democratic state with strong social
programs and legislative guarantees. SDL has not chosen a coalition
partner, prefering to wait until after the elections.
Swedes Down Finns in Ice Hockey Championships
In a 5-2 victory over its Scandinavian rival, Sweden took home the
gold in the Ice Hockey World Cup May 10th in Prague. Finnland won the
silver medal and the Czechoslovak team retained the bronze by beating
Switzerland. In an unprecedented upset, the Russian team took home no
medals at all.
Prague Springtime Weather
In a colorful burst of glory, Prague's dormant plantlife lifted
leaves and flowers in grateful sun-worship this week. Daytime
temperatures have risen to mini-skirt and shorts levels, and the few
rain showers have been brief and refreshing. Tourist and downtown price
levels are both expected to soar in the following weeks. The outlook
for beer continues foamy and rich with light condensation on exterior
surfaces.
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