Thousands of Czechs demonstrate against US anti-missile radar base

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 01-31-2007 09:24

Thousands of people have demonstrated in the Czech capital Prague against a plan to place an American anti-missile radar base in their country.

They're demanding a referendum on the issue. The U.S. wants to apply its missile defense system to real combat situations within a year following last week's successful test.

The protest against placing the radar in the army territory Jince, west of Prague, began at Venceslas Square.

The demonstration was organized by the public initiative "No to the bases", which unites several human rights organizations.

Organizers hope to collect enough votes and call for a public referendum. They say it's the only way to stop the building of foreign military bases in the Czech Republic.

Opponents of the US plan say it would seriously undermine the safety of the Czech people, making the base the target of the first strike if there's a military conflict.

The protestors also rallied outside of the US embassy and government offices.

Jan Tamas, organizer, said, " We will continue in our protests until victory or until the whole nation decides to place the base here, which I don't think it will happen."

Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek says this a "technical" and "security" issue and there's no need for a referendum.

Editor:Du Xiaodan