The Czech Republic started administering vaccinations against the new coronavirus on Sunday, part of a push against the pandemic across the European Union.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis was the first to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the Central Military Hospital in Prague, just before other hospitals in the capital and second-largest city Brno started to distribute the 9,750 doses the country has received so far.

"The vaccine which arrived from the European Union yesterday, that is a hope, a hope that we will return to a normal life," Babis said before taking the jab.

Emilie Repikova, 95, a World War Two veteran, was also one of the first to be inoculated, shortly after Babis.

The country closed non-essential shops, services and ski lifts and enforced a stricter curfew from Sunday as it seeks to curb another rise in COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations.

The Czech Republic started administering vaccinations against the new coronavirus on Sunday, part of a push against the pandemic across the European Union. Prime Minister Andrej Babis was the first to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the Central Military Hospital in Prague, just before other hospitals in the capital and second-largest city Brno started to distribute the 9,750 doses the country has received so far.

The Czech Republic started administering vaccinations against the new coronavirus on Sunday, part of a push against the pandemic across the European Union. Prime Minister Andrej Babis was the first to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the Central Military Hospital in Prague, just before other hospitals in the capital and second-largest city Brno started to distribute the 9,750 doses the country has received so far. "The vaccine which arrived from the European Union yesterday, that is a hope, a hope that we will return to a normal life," Babis said before taking the jab. Emilie Repikova, 95, a World War Two veteran, was also one of the first to be inoculated, shortly after Babis. The country closed non-essential shops, services and ski lifts and enforced a stricter curfew from Sunday as it seeks to curb another rise in COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations.

Czech Republic starts rollout of coronavirus vaccine

The Czech Republic said on Wednesday that it will add a diplomatic presence in its Jerusalem office, essentially opening a diplomatic office. The country said that the move was aimed at boosting services for Czech citizens in Israel and it did not amount to opening a new embassy.

Czech Republic has long been one of Israel's steadiest supporters in the European Union and its president, Milos Zeman, has backed the idea of relocating the Czech embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. However no steps have been taken.

Israel has welcomed the Czech announcement. Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its capital. However, this is not recognised by most countries.&nbsp;

Palestinians seek the city’s east, which Israel captured in a 1967 war, as capital of a future state.

Given the city’s disputed status and sensitivity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, most countries with embassies in Israel have opened them in its commercial capital of Tel Aviv.

The Czech foreign ministry said the establishment of an office with a diplomat in Jerusalem, alongside an honorary consulate there, was not connected to the ongoing peace process in the Middle East nor was in any anticipation of its results.

It said that having a diplomat would let it carry out more services for Czech citizens, such as replacing lost documents, which can currently only be done at the embassy in Tel Aviv.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, writing on Twitter, said he had spoken with his Czech counterpart and congratulated him on a decision that “emphasizes our strong friendship and strategic partnership”.

(With Reuters inputs)

The Czech Republic said on Wednesday that it will add a diplomatic presence in its Jerusalem office, essentially opening a diplomatic office. The country said that the move was aimed at boosting services for Czech citizens in Israel and it did not amount to opening a new embassy.

The Czech Republic said on Wednesday that it will add a diplomatic presence in its Jerusalem office, essentially opening a diplomatic office. The country said that the move was aimed at boosting services for Czech citizens in Israel and it did not amount to opening a new embassy. Czech Republic has long been one of Israel's steadiest supporters in the European Union and its president, Milos Zeman, has backed the idea of relocating the Czech embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. However no steps have been taken. Israel has welcomed the Czech announcement. Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its capital. However, this is not recognised by most countries. Palestinians seek the city’s east, which Israel captured in a 1967 war, as capital of a future state. Given the city’s disputed status and sensitivity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, most countries with embassies in Israel have opened them in its commercial capital of Tel Aviv. The Czech foreign ministry said the establishment of an office with a diplomat in Jerusalem, alongside an honorary consulate there, was not connected to the ongoing peace process in the Middle East nor was in any anticipation of its results. It said that having a diplomat would let it carry out more services for Czech citizens, such as replacing lost documents, which can currently only be done at the embassy in Tel Aviv. Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, writing on Twitter, said he had spoken with his Czech counterpart and congratulated him on a decision that “emphasizes our strong friendship and strategic partnership”. (With Reuters inputs)

Czech Republic to open diplomatic office in Jerusalem

Europe is grappling with the second wave of coronavirus and the governments are raising to impose stricter restrictions but the question is is it too late to? Watch report.

Europe overtakes US in daily caseload: Worried Europe nations revive curfews

Coronavirus restrictions are taking effect in the Netherlands, the UK, the Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe as these nations try to reverse an alarming wave in new COVID-19 cases.

Europe reporting 100,000 COVID-19 cases per day: Second coronavirus pandemic wave

China threatened Czech Republic's Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil for visiting Taiwan. Prague has fired back with a scathing letter calling Chinese leaders 'unmannered rude clowns'.

Gravitas: China threatens Czech official over Taiwan visit

China recently threatened the Czech Republic’s senate speaker for visiting Taiwan. Hitting back in a letter to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Prague has called Chinese leaders “unmannered rude clowns”. It goes on to say&nbsp;that China is a bully that should be ashamed of itself.

The speaker of the Czech senate&nbsp; Milos Vystrcil is on a 5-day visit to Taiwan. He landed in Taipei on Sunday, and is being accompanied by a team of 90. The delegation is eyeing improved trade ties with Taiwan.

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US Health secretary Alex Azar’s recent visit to Taiwan angered China. Less than a fortnight later, there is another high profile visit to Taipei.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/czech-republics-senate-speaker-leaves-for-taiwan-visit-angering-china-323999" hreflang="en">Czech Republic's Senate speaker leaves for Taiwan visit, angering China</a>

China's FM Wang Yi had said Vystrcil will “pay a heavy price”. “The Chinese government and Chinese people won’t take a laissez-faire attitude or sit idly by, and will make him [Vystrcil] pay a heavy price for his short-sighted behaviour and political opportunism”, Yi had said.

Meanwhile, Taiwan and the Czech Republic are talking "freedom and democracy".

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Freedom, democracy, equality &amp; respect were high on the menu at the banquet hosted by Minister Wu for <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatCZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatCZ</a> President <a href="https://twitter.com/Vystrcil_Milos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vystrcil_Milos</a>. Our thanks to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CzechRepublic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CzechRepublic</a>🇨🇿 delegation for visiting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a>🇹🇼 &amp; putting friendship before politics. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TaiwanCzechia2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TaiwanCzechia2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefendDemocracy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefendDemocracy</a> <a href="https://t.co/dhFjZUCPi7">pic.twitter.com/dhFjZUCPi7</a>
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1300077161907322880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The letter from Prague to China reads, “Now listen to me, comrade minister, PRC will apologise asap for the shameless threat. And when I say asap, I mean right now! I want to have it in 2 hours on the table of Czech foreign minister”.

“I will make you pay a heavy price for bullying, and you won't like it”, it said.

Here are other noteworthy portions&nbsp; - “Be ashamed and acknowledge that in future”. “Wake up. You will not [expletive] on us. Do not let this be repeated”. Another line referred to the diplomatic failure as a&nbsp;"pathetic diplomatic [expletive] up”.

This letter was written by a district mayor of Prague, Pavel Novotny. He is part of the Czech delegation, and is known for his Anti-Russia stand.

Earlier this year, there were talks about Russia wanting to assassinate Novotny. The mayor wanted to build a monument of the Russian Liberation Army.

Not the first time

In 2019, he wrote a letter to Russian president, Vladimir Putin. That letter too had the same expletive rhetoric.

The letter read, “Please acknowledge that it is not within your power to stop us from erecting a monument to the 300 soldiers that died here fighting Nazis… You would only be able to remove it when next you shall occupy us and enslave is. Until then, it is of no use to bother us, as it is of no use to poison with Novichok, or pressure me personally. I am not saying this because I am afraid of you you lying, rude, self centered, arrogant [expletive]. I am telling you this because if local people wish to install a monument because they believe Reporyje and Prague owe it to the Vlasovites, they will build it.”

As for his letter to China, Novotny signed off by “pretending regards”

China recently threatened the Czech Republic’s senate speaker for visiting Taiwan. Hitting back in a letter to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Prague has called Chinese leaders “unmannered rude clowns”.

China recently threatened the Czech Republic’s senate speaker for visiting Taiwan. Hitting back in a letter to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Prague has called Chinese leaders “unmannered rude clowns”. It goes on to say that China is a bully that should be ashamed of itself. The speaker of the Czech senate Milos Vystrcil is on a 5-day visit to Taiwan. He landed in Taipei on Sunday, and is being accompanied by a team of 90. The delegation is eyeing improved trade ties with Taiwan. US Health secretary Alex Azar’s recent visit to Taiwan angered China. Less than a fortnight later, there is another high profile visit to Taipei. Also read: Czech Republic's Senate speaker leaves for Taiwan visit, angering China China's FM Wang Yi had said Vystrcil will “pay a heavy price”. “The Chinese government and Chinese people won’t take a laissez-faire attitude or sit idly by, and will make him [Vystrcil] pay a heavy price for his short-sighted behaviour and political opportunism”, Yi had said. Meanwhile, Taiwan and the Czech Republic are talking "freedom and democracy". Freedom, democracy, equality & respect were high on the menu at the banquet hosted by Minister Wu for @SenatCZ President @Vystrcil_Milos. Our thanks to the #CzechRepublic🇨🇿 delegation for visiting #Taiwan🇹🇼 & putting friendship before politics. #TaiwanCzechia2020 #DefendDemocracy pic.twitter.com/dhFjZUCPi7 — 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) August 30, 2020 × The letter from Prague to China reads, “Now listen to me, comrade minister, PRC will apologise asap for the shameless threat. And when I say asap, I mean right now! I want to have it in 2 hours on the table of Czech foreign minister”. “I will make you pay a heavy price for bullying, and you won't like it”, it said. Here are other noteworthy portions - “Be ashamed and acknowledge that in future”. “Wake up. You will not [expletive] on us. Do not let this be repeated”. Another line referred to the diplomatic failure as a "pathetic diplomatic [expletive] up”. This letter was written by a district mayor of Prague, Pavel Novotny. He is part of the Czech delegation, and is known for his Anti-Russia stand. Earlier this year, there were talks about Russia wanting to assassinate Novotny. The mayor wanted to build a monument of the Russian Liberation Army. Not the first time In 2019, he wrote a letter to Russian president, Vladimir Putin. That letter too had the same expletive rhetoric. The letter read, “Please acknowledge that it is not within your power to stop us from erecting a monument to the 300 soldiers that died here fighting Nazis… You would only be able to remove it when next you shall occupy us and enslave is. Until then, it is of no use to bother us, as it is of no use to poison with Novichok, or pressure me personally. I am not saying this because I am afraid of you you lying, rude, self centered, arrogant [expletive]. I am telling you this because if local people wish to install a monument because they believe Reporyje and Prague owe it to the Vlasovites, they will build it.” As for his letter to China, Novotny signed off by “pretending regards”

Czech mayor refers to Chinese leaders as 'unmannered rude clowns' after Wang Yi's threat

Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil will "pay a heavy price" for making an official trip to Taiwan and China will not sit idly by, the Chinese government`s top diplomat said on Monday, in a warning brushed off by Taiwan`s government.

China: Visit by Milos Vystrcil an open provocation to China

An official delegation from the Czech Republic, headed by Senate President Milos Vystrcil reached Taiwan on a six-day visit despite warning from China. This visit complicated the Czech's relations with China.

Czech senate's visit to Taiwan angers China

Thousands of Czechs celebrated the coming end of most COVID-19 restrictions in the country with a dinner in the capital on Tuesday night.

Dinner on Prague bridge to celebrate easing

People of Czech Republic marked the end of coronavirus crisis with a group dinner along a gigantic table set up on the historic landmark. The EU member of 10.7 million people has by now eased most of the anti-virus measures it introduced early on -- thanks to which it has fared relatively well, registering fewer than 12,000 coronavirus cases and under 350 deaths.

People of Czech Republic marked the end of coronavirus crisis with a group dinner along a gigantic table set up on the historic landmark. The EU member of 10.7 million people has by now eased most of the anti-virus measures it introduced early on -- thanks to which it has fared relatively well, registering fewer than 12,000 coronavirus cases and under 350 deaths. On the 14th-century Charles Bridge in the capital, merrymakers munched on snacks and sipped drinks they brought from home, sharing their fare with others at the table spanning 500 metres (a third of a mile). "Everyone had to do something to be here, bring food or a flower. The idea was for everyone to get involved," Prague cafe owner and event organiser Ondrej Kobza was quoted as saying to AFP. "We want to celebrate the end of the coronavirus crisis with people meeting up and showing they're no longer afraid to meet others. That they aren't afraid to accept a bite of a sandwich from someone." "Society mustn't be afraid. Otherwise, we'll have an economic crisis, a depression and that will hit society harder than COVID-19," said Kobza. The 41-year-old is known for having placed pianos in the streets of Prague, set up chess tables in a local square and made the roof of a palace accessible to the public. Several improvised bands played and sang along the curvy table adorned with oxeye daisies and new friendships were sealed over a snack or a glass. "I found the event on Facebook and thought it was interesting," said Galina Khomchenko-Krejcikova, a Russian Prague resident who came with a friend. "I just finished a night shift so I didn't have time to prepare anything. But we brought some wine and snacks we found at home," she told. (With inputs from AFP)

Czechs mark end of coronavirus crisis with group dinner

Czech researchers have transformed low-cost snorkel masks available at local sporting goods shops into high-grade protection for medical workers and others against the coronavirus outbreak that has stretched health care resources.

Czechs researchers retrofit snorkel masks for coronavirus fight

The Czech Republic closed its borders for travellers arriving from Germany and Austria and on Thursday also banned the entry of foreigners arriving from other risky countries to prevent an outbreak of coronavirus.

COVID-19 Outbreak: Czech Republic declares state of emergency, closes borders!

China should replace its ambassador in the Czech Republic after the Chinese embassy sent a threatening letter to Czech authorities, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said, a position that may further strain relations between the two countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-coronavirus-xi-jinping-pays-first-visit-to-virus-epicentre-wuhan-285400" hreflang="en">China coronavirus: Xi Jinping pays first visit to virus epicentre Wuhan</a>

In January, China's embassy in Prague said in a letter sent to the Czech president's office that Beijing would retaliate against Czech companies operating in China if a senior Czech lawmaker went ahead with a planned visit to Taiwan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-firm-develops-system-to-recognise-faces-behind-coronavirus-masks-285231" hreflang="en">China firm develops system to recognise faces behind coronavirus masks</a>

The January&nbsp;10 letters suggested that Czech companies operating in mainland China, such as the Volkswagen subsidiary Skoda Auto and lender Home Credit Group, would suffer if then-Senate speaker Jaroslav Kubera visited the island.

Kubera died before he could make the trip. His successor, Milos Vystrcil, is likely to push for China to replace the ambassador, and Babis would support such a demand, Czech Television reported.

"This man is quite distinctive, and what he has written, that is absolutely unacceptable, we must reject that," Czech Television quoted Babis as saying.

Four top Czech officials, including President Milos Zeman, who has pushed for closer ties with China in recent years, will meet on Wednesday for a regular debate on foreign policy, where they are expected to address the matter.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries cooled last year when city authorities in Prague showed support for Tibet and demanded changes to an intercity partnership agreement with Beijing over a reference to China's policy on Taiwan.

China quit the agreement and Prague instead entered a partnership with Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has pushed for a "one country, two systems" model, which Taiwan rejects. Babis's government has repeatedly said it adheres to the one-China policy.

In a statement on Tuesday, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that despite China's threats it would continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the Czech Republic.

An earlier dent in bilateral relations came in December 2018 when the Czech cyber-security watchdog warned about the risks of using network technology provided by Chinese telecoms equipment makers Huawei and ZTE.

China should replace its ambassador in the Czech Republic after the Chinese embassy sent a threatening letter to Czech authorities, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said, a position that may further strain relations between the two countries.

China should replace its ambassador in the Czech Republic after the Chinese embassy sent a threatening letter to Czech authorities, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said, a position that may further strain relations between the two countries. Also read: China coronavirus: Xi Jinping pays first visit to virus epicentre Wuhan In January, China's embassy in Prague said in a letter sent to the Czech president's office that Beijing would retaliate against Czech companies operating in China if a senior Czech lawmaker went ahead with a planned visit to Taiwan. Also read: China firm develops system to recognise faces behind coronavirus masks The January 10 letters suggested that Czech companies operating in mainland China, such as the Volkswagen subsidiary Skoda Auto and lender Home Credit Group, would suffer if then-Senate speaker Jaroslav Kubera visited the island. Kubera died before he could make the trip. His successor, Milos Vystrcil, is likely to push for China to replace the ambassador, and Babis would support such a demand, Czech Television reported. "This man is quite distinctive, and what he has written, that is absolutely unacceptable, we must reject that," Czech Television quoted Babis as saying. Four top Czech officials, including President Milos Zeman, who has pushed for closer ties with China in recent years, will meet on Wednesday for a regular debate on foreign policy, where they are expected to address the matter. Diplomatic ties between the two countries cooled last year when city authorities in Prague showed support for Tibet and demanded changes to an intercity partnership agreement with Beijing over a reference to China's policy on Taiwan. China quit the agreement and Prague instead entered a partnership with Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has pushed for a "one country, two systems" model, which Taiwan rejects. Babis's government has repeatedly said it adheres to the one-China policy. In a statement on Tuesday, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that despite China's threats it would continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the Czech Republic. An earlier dent in bilateral relations came in December 2018 when the Czech cyber-security watchdog warned about the risks of using network technology provided by Chinese telecoms equipment makers Huawei and ZTE.

Czech prime minister says China's ambassador should be replaced

Avalanches killed six people in Austria Sunday in two separate incidents, police said.

At least five people were swept away Sunday morning by a large avalanche on a mountain in Upper Austria, part of a group walking in snowshoes on the Dachstein range.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/20-killed-several-injured-as-heavy-rains-lash-pakistan-284953">20 killed, several injured as heavy rains lash Pakistan</a>

Local police said five bodies had been recovered from the avalanche, which began 9,200 feet&nbsp;up. The victims were thought to be from the Czech Republic, they added.

Although they did not think there were other victims, mountain rescue workers were searching the site, team leader Christoph Preimesberger told the sources.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austria-slams-turkey-for-blackmailing-eu-over-migration-283989">Austria slams Turkey for 'blackmailing' EU over migration</a>

In January 2019, about 60 residents in the town of Ramsau-am-Dachstein, which also lies in the Dachstein range, escaped another large avalanche which caused significant damage but no casualties.

Elsewhere Sunday, a 33-year-old police officer died in an avalanche in the southern Carinthia region on the Grossglockner peak.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Local police said he died while taking part in a training exercise.

Avalanches killed six people in Austria Sunday in two separate incidents, police said. At least five people were swept away Sunday morning by a large avalanche on a mountain in Upper Austria, part of a group walking in snowshoes on the Dachstein range.

Avalanches killed six people in Austria Sunday in two separate incidents, police said. At least five people were swept away Sunday morning by a large avalanche on a mountain in Upper Austria, part of a group walking in snowshoes on the Dachstein range. Also read: 20 killed, several injured as heavy rains lash Pakistan Local police said five bodies had been recovered from the avalanche, which began 9,200 feet up. The victims were thought to be from the Czech Republic, they added. Although they did not think there were other victims, mountain rescue workers were searching the site, team leader Christoph Preimesberger told the sources. Also see: Austria slams Turkey for 'blackmailing' EU over migration In January 2019, about 60 residents in the town of Ramsau-am-Dachstein, which also lies in the Dachstein range, escaped another large avalanche which caused significant damage but no casualties. Elsewhere Sunday, a 33-year-old police officer died in an avalanche in the southern Carinthia region on the Grossglockner peak. Watch: × Local police said he died while taking part in a training exercise.

Avalanches kills six in Austria

More&nbsp;than&nbsp;250&nbsp;people&nbsp;from&nbsp;30 countries arrived in&nbsp;France&nbsp;on Sunday after being flown out of the Chinese city of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-evacuates-200-people-from-wuhan-the-epicentre-of-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china-278211">Wuhan</a>, the center of an outbreak of a coronavirus,&nbsp;French&nbsp;officials said.

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;plane&nbsp;landed at a military airbase in Istres, southern&nbsp;France.

Out of the 254 evacuees, 124 were returning to their home countries,&nbsp;French&nbsp;Health Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-may-face-sperm-shortage-under-macron-plan-to-ease-ivf-rules-251763">Agnes Buzyn</a> said.

Sixty-four&nbsp;French&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;will be quarantined either at a holiday resort at Carry-le-Rouet or at the&nbsp;French&nbsp;National Fire Officers' Academy near Aix-en-Provence.

<img alt="Police officers guard an accommodation at a firefighter school, where people will be quarantined as preventive measure in light of the coronavirus outbreak in China, after their evacuation from Wuhan area, in Aix-en-Provence, near Marseille, France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3866172-6f56-4bb6-964e-4c071a7b67c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_18.jpg" />

Sixty non-European&nbsp;nationals, including&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mexico, Brazil, Rwanda, and Georgia, we're staying in&nbsp;France&nbsp;for a 14-day quarantine. Twenty evacuees presented some coronavirus symptoms and stayed at the military airbase until tests show if they had the virus.

Foreign&nbsp;Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-prefer-to-download-black-boxes-iran-after-plane-crash-blamed-on-missile-273396">Jean-Yves Le Drian</a> said the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;carried&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;of 30 countries.

The Czech Republic said it had five citizens onboard and that that they would fly on to Brussels to be taken home on a Czech&nbsp;plane.

Sweden said about 10 of its&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;were on the flight and would be taken on to Sweden. Some British&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;were also on board.

More than 250 people from 30 countries arrived in France on Sunday after being flown out of the Chinese city of Wuhan, the center of an outbreak of a coronavirus, French officials said.

More than 250 people from 30 countries arrived in France on Sunday after being flown out of the Chinese city of Wuhan, the center of an outbreak of a coronavirus, French officials said. The French plane landed at a military airbase in Istres, southern France. Out of the 254 evacuees, 124 were returning to their home countries, French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said. Sixty-four French nationals will be quarantined either at a holiday resort at Carry-le-Rouet or at the French National Fire Officers' Academy near Aix-en-Provence. Sixty non-European nationals, including from Mexico, Brazil, Rwanda, and Georgia, we're staying in France for a 14-day quarantine. Twenty evacuees presented some coronavirus symptoms and stayed at the military airbase until tests show if they had the virus. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the plane carried nationals of 30 countries. The Czech Republic said it had five citizens onboard and that that they would fly on to Brussels to be taken home on a Czech plane. Sweden said about 10 of its nationals were on the flight and would be taken on to Sweden. Some British nationals were also on board.

Plane brings more than 250 foreign nationals from epidemic-hit Wuhan to France

Eight people were killed and 30 were injured in a fire at a Czech home for people with disabilities early on Sunday, fire and state officials said.

The blaze occurred in a home where mostly men with mental and other disabilities lived, in Vejprty on the country's northwest border with Germany.

It was the second deadliest blaze in the country's three-decade post-communist history. In 2010, a fire in an abandoned building often used by homeless people in Prague killed nine people. A hotel fire in the capital in 1995 killed eight.

The fire at the Vejprty home started in one room before spreading to three others, Michal Zavora, commanding officer of the region's fire services, told state broadcaster Czech Television.

He said the eight died from smoke inhalation.

<img alt="A police officer cordons off the area next to a home for people with disabilities which was affected by a fire in Vejprty" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9d678bc-b7a5-4fae-846a-535713ac0321" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2833%29_0.jpg" /> 
[ A police officer cordons off the area next to a home for people with disabilities which was affected by a fire in Vejprty (Courtesy: Reuters) ]&nbsp;

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-getting-tired-of-trump-scandal-263215">Andrej Babis</a> travelled to Vejprty, about 130 km (80 miles) northwest of Prague, and promised state help with the investigation into the fire, whose cause was unknown.

"It is a huge tragedy," he told reporters.

The blaze was reported just before 5 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Sunday. Firefighters were on the scene within 10 minutes and able to keep the fire from spreading.

Poor weather prevented helicopters from being able to help transport of those injured. German rescue units took part in the operation, officials said.

Among the injured was a police officer but none of the home's workers was hurt.

The centre housed people aged from 18 to the elderly, according to Czech TV.

Eight people were killed and 30 were injured in a fire at a Czech home for people with disabilities early on Sunday, fire and state officials said. The blaze occurred in a home where mostly men with mental and other disabilities lived, in Vejprty on the country's northwest border with Germany.

Eight people were killed and 30 were injured in a fire at a Czech home for people with disabilities early on Sunday, fire and state officials said. The blaze occurred in a home where mostly men with mental and other disabilities lived, in Vejprty on the country's northwest border with Germany. It was the second deadliest blaze in the country's three-decade post-communist history. In 2010, a fire in an abandoned building often used by homeless people in Prague killed nine people. A hotel fire in the capital in 1995 killed eight. The fire at the Vejprty home started in one room before spreading to three others, Michal Zavora, commanding officer of the region's fire services, told state broadcaster Czech Television. He said the eight died from smoke inhalation. [ A police officer cordons off the area next to a home for people with disabilities which was affected by a fire in Vejprty (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Prime Minister Andrej Babis travelled to Vejprty, about 130 km (80 miles) northwest of Prague, and promised state help with the investigation into the fire, whose cause was unknown. "It is a huge tragedy," he told reporters. The blaze was reported just before 5 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Sunday. Firefighters were on the scene within 10 minutes and able to keep the fire from spreading. Poor weather prevented helicopters from being able to help transport of those injured. German rescue units took part in the operation, officials said. Among the injured was a police officer but none of the home's workers was hurt. The centre housed people aged from 18 to the elderly, according to Czech TV.

Fire at Czech home for disabled people kills eight

Institute for Economics and Peace ranks the most peaceful countries

Czech Republic: Citizens call for Prime Minister Andrej Babis resignation

Czech police said the gunman who killed at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-hospital-shooting-four-killed-after-gunman-opens-fire-in-ostrova-267390">six patients at a hospital</a> in the eastern city of Ostrava shot himself after being chased into a village.

"We identified the gunman using hospital cameras. We deployed two helicopters, identified his car... and when one helicopter descended over the car, he shot himself in the head," &nbsp;regional police chief Tomas Kuzel said.

The gunman was identified as a 42-year-old man. He had opened fire in the hospital killing four men and two women while injuring three other people.

The gunman was allegedly shooting from a close range. Police are yet to understand the motive of the attack.

The man escaped after the shooting but was tracked down to a village after an extensive search operation. The perpetrator shot himself as the police descended with helicopters.

"We have found the gunman. The 42-year-old man shot himself in the head before the police took action, he's dead," police said.

"As far as we know, the man is not in our database of legal gun owners," the police chief said, adding that he used "short firearm"&nbsp;during the attack. The man shot himself in the head, police said.

According to the police officials, the shooting happened around 7 am on Tuesday morning. It is the worst shooting incident in the country since 2015 when a gunman killed eight people at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod, about 180 miles southeast of Prague.

Czech police said the gunman who killed at least six patients at a hospital in the eastern city of Ostrava shot himself after being chased into a village. "We identified the gunman using hospital cameras.

Czech police said the gunman who killed at least six patients at a hospital in the eastern city of Ostrava shot himself after being chased into a village. "We identified the gunman using hospital cameras. We deployed two helicopters, identified his car... and when one helicopter descended over the car, he shot himself in the head," regional police chief Tomas Kuzel said. The gunman was identified as a 42-year-old man. He had opened fire in the hospital killing four men and two women while injuring three other people. The gunman was allegedly shooting from a close range. Police are yet to understand the motive of the attack. The man escaped after the shooting but was tracked down to a village after an extensive search operation. The perpetrator shot himself as the police descended with helicopters. "We have found the gunman. The 42-year-old man shot himself in the head before the police took action, he's dead," police said. "As far as we know, the man is not in our database of legal gun owners," the police chief said, adding that he used "short firearm" during the attack. The man shot himself in the head, police said. According to the police officials, the shooting happened around 7 am on Tuesday morning. It is the worst shooting incident in the country since 2015 when a gunman killed eight people at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod, about 180 miles southeast of Prague.

Gunman involved in hospital shooting killed himself: Czech police

At least six people have been killed and several others wounded after gunman opened fire in a hospital in the eastern Czech city of Ostrova.

"There are six dead and two seriously injured people on the site," regional police spokeswoman Pavla Jirouskova told the public Czech Television. She said the police were still looking for the gunman.

University Hospital in Ostrava has been evacuated and security heightened around the country after the attack.

Police are searching for the suspect after the attack.

"We are currently strengthening the supervision of selected soft targets across the Czech Republic," said Czech Police on Twitter.

According to the police officials, &nbsp;the shooting happened around 7 am Tuesday morning in the University hospital in the city of Ostrava, located 350 kilometers (220 milest) east of Prague.

The shooting was the worst in the Czech Republic since 2015, when a gunman killed eight people at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod, about 180 miles southeast of Prague.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least six people have been killed and several others wounded after gunman opened fire in a hospital in the eastern Czech city of Ostrova. "There are six dead and two seriously injured people on the site," regional police spokeswoman Pavla Jirouskova told the public Czech Television.

At least six people have been killed and several others wounded after gunman opened fire in a hospital in the eastern Czech city of Ostrova. "There are six dead and two seriously injured people on the site," regional police spokeswoman Pavla Jirouskova told the public Czech Television. She said the police were still looking for the gunman. University Hospital in Ostrava has been evacuated and security heightened around the country after the attack. Police are searching for the suspect after the attack. "We are currently strengthening the supervision of selected soft targets across the Czech Republic," said Czech Police on Twitter. According to the police officials, the shooting happened around 7 am Tuesday morning in the University hospital in the city of Ostrava, located 350 kilometers (220 milest) east of Prague. The shooting was the worst in the Czech Republic since 2015, when a gunman killed eight people at a restaurant in Uhersky Brod, about 180 miles southeast of Prague. (With inputs from agencies)

Czech hospital shooting: Six killed after gunman opens fire in Ostrova

Around a quarter-million Czechs flooded central Prague on Saturday to mark 30 years since the Velvet Revolution toppled communism in then-Czechoslovakia, with protesters demanding that billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis quit over allegations of graft.

Some demonstrators waved flags or brandished banners calling for Babis to step down and chanted "Shame!" and "Resign!".&nbsp;

The CTK Czech news agency quoted Interior Minister Jan Hamacek as saying some 250,000 people had rallied at Letna park, the site of some of the biggest 1989 rallies -- &nbsp;matching a similar protest in June.

It came on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, which saw unprecedented protests and a general strike end four decades of Soviet-imposed totalitarianism in the former Czechoslovakia.

A former communist, the populist Babis faces a string of graft allegations and a conflict-of-interest probe by the European Commission centred on Agrofert, his sprawling farming, media and chemicals holding.&nbsp;

Babis has denied any wrongdoing and his ANO (YES) party still tops opinion polls with around 30 per cent support despite the controversy.

He is also tagged as an agent in secret police files from the 1980s, something he has vociferously denied.

'Democracy in danger'?&nbsp;

People living in a house overlooking the rally strung a banner saying "Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred", the motto of former Czech President Vaclav Havel, a former anti-communist dissident playwright.

Kristyna Kovarova, a 20-year-old student from the southern village of Malenice, said she had come "to fight for democracy."

"I think democracy is in danger because there are many people trying to twist it and set their own rules, but that's not right," she told AFP.

"I really don't like our prime minister's lies," said protester Josef Plandor, who travelled from the eastern village of Zasova.

"His huge conflict of interest, his lies, fraud, there's too much of that. He's not an honest man," said the 43-year-old forestry worker, adding that he was "sure" Babis would never quit.

The Million Moments for Democracy movement, which organised the protest, called on Babis to either resolve his conflict of interest or step down.

The 65-year-old Slovak-born politician was charged last year in connection with a two million euro ($2.25 million) EU subsidy scam, but in September a Prague prosecutor cleared him.

Student strike&nbsp;

Babis, the fifth wealthiest Czech according to Forbes, leads the centrist populist ANO movement in a minority coalition government with the left-wing Social Democrats, propped up by the Communist Party in parliament.

ANO took office after winning the 2017 general election campaigning on an anti-corruption ticket in the EU and NATO country of 10.6 million plagued by graft.

On November 17, 1989, Communist police brutally crushed a students' march, sparking a student strike and the creation of an opposition movement which then negotiated the Communist Party's departure from politics.

In late December 1989, Havel, then the opposition leader, was elected president of Czechoslovakia, which went on to peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

The neighbours joined NATO and the EU, with Bratislava also joining the eurozone in 2009.

Around a quarter-million Czechs flooded central Prague on Saturday to mark 30 years since the Velvet Revolution toppled communism in then-Czechoslovakia, with protesters demanding that billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis quit over allegations of graft.

Around a quarter-million Czechs flooded central Prague on Saturday to mark 30 years since the Velvet Revolution toppled communism in then-Czechoslovakia, with protesters demanding that billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis quit over allegations of graft. Some demonstrators waved flags or brandished banners calling for Babis to step down and chanted "Shame!" and "Resign!". The CTK Czech news agency quoted Interior Minister Jan Hamacek as saying some 250,000 people had rallied at Letna park, the site of some of the biggest 1989 rallies -- matching a similar protest in June. It came on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, which saw unprecedented protests and a general strike end four decades of Soviet-imposed totalitarianism in the former Czechoslovakia. A former communist, the populist Babis faces a string of graft allegations and a conflict-of-interest probe by the European Commission centred on Agrofert, his sprawling farming, media and chemicals holding. Babis has denied any wrongdoing and his ANO (YES) party still tops opinion polls with around 30 per cent support despite the controversy. He is also tagged as an agent in secret police files from the 1980s, something he has vociferously denied. 'Democracy in danger'? People living in a house overlooking the rally strung a banner saying "Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred", the motto of former Czech President Vaclav Havel, a former anti-communist dissident playwright. Kristyna Kovarova, a 20-year-old student from the southern village of Malenice, said she had come "to fight for democracy." "I think democracy is in danger because there are many people trying to twist it and set their own rules, but that's not right," she told AFP. "I really don't like our prime minister's lies," said protester Josef Plandor, who travelled from the eastern village of Zasova. "His huge conflict of interest, his lies, fraud, there's too much of that. He's not an honest man," said the 43-year-old forestry worker, adding that he was "sure" Babis would never quit. The Million Moments for Democracy movement, which organised the protest, called on Babis to either resolve his conflict of interest or step down. The 65-year-old Slovak-born politician was charged last year in connection with a two million euro ($2.25 million) EU subsidy scam, but in September a Prague prosecutor cleared him. Student strike Babis, the fifth wealthiest Czech according to Forbes, leads the centrist populist ANO movement in a minority coalition government with the left-wing Social Democrats, propped up by the Communist Party in parliament. ANO took office after winning the 2017 general election campaigning on an anti-corruption ticket in the EU and NATO country of 10.6 million plagued by graft. On November 17, 1989, Communist police brutally crushed a students' march, sparking a student strike and the creation of an opposition movement which then negotiated the Communist Party's departure from politics. In late December 1989, Havel, then the opposition leader, was elected president of Czechoslovakia, which went on to peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. The neighbours joined NATO and the EU, with Bratislava also joining the eurozone in 2009.

Huge Czech protest marking Velvet Revolution demands PM quit

Czech Republic punched their ticket to Euro 2020 by coming from behind to beat Kosovo 2-1 as Alex Kral scored one goal and set up another to give the hosts second spot in Group A on Thursday.

The Czechs dominated possession but failed to convert their chances in the first half before falling behind when striker Atdhe Nuhiu scored against the run of play in the 50th minute.

But the home side roared back and levelled in the 71st minute when midfielder Kral pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a fierce strike that gave the Kosovo keeper no chance.

The goal energised the Czechs who hit the woodwork twice in quick succession before 21-year-old Kral directed a header towards Ondrej Celustka who guided the ball home in the 79th.

"It's awesome," Kral said. "We worked to qualify and it's done. We reacted well to the Kosovo goal and now we're through."

The Czechs, who play Bulgaria on Sunday, have 15 points and will finish second in the group behind England who has 18 after thrashing Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley to secure the runners-up spot.

Czech Republic punched their ticket to Euro 2020 by coming from behind to beat Kosovo 2-1 as Alex Kral scored one goal and set up another to give the hosts second spot in Group A on Thursday.

Czech Republic punched their ticket to Euro 2020 by coming from behind to beat Kosovo 2-1 as Alex Kral scored one goal and set up another to give the hosts second spot in Group A on Thursday. The Czechs dominated possession but failed to convert their chances in the first half before falling behind when striker Atdhe Nuhiu scored against the run of play in the 50th minute. But the home side roared back and levelled in the 71st minute when midfielder Kral pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a fierce strike that gave the Kosovo keeper no chance. The goal energised the Czechs who hit the woodwork twice in quick succession before 21-year-old Kral directed a header towards Ondrej Celustka who guided the ball home in the 79th. "It's awesome," Kral said. "We worked to qualify and it's done. We reacted well to the Kosovo goal and now we're through." The Czechs, who play Bulgaria on Sunday, have 15 points and will finish second in the group behind England who has 18 after thrashing Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley to secure the runners-up spot.

Football: Czechs clinch Euro 2020 spot with 2-1 win over Kosovo

Harry Kane said that England's defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic on Saturday in the Euro 2020 qualifiers is a wakeup call for the team.

Kane took to Twitter and wrote, "Last night is a wake-up call for us. We have to be better and improve. Bulgaria next."

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Last night is a wake up call for us. We have to be better and improve. Bulgaria next. <a href="https://t.co/qGVGnfUD2e">pic.twitter.com/qGVGnfUD2e</a>
— Harry Kane (@HKane) <a href="https://twitter.com/HKane/status/1182937516099416064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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England had not lost either a World Cup or European Championship qualifier since 2009.

England was able to register an early goal. Kane converted the penalty in the fifth minute to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.

The Czech Republic did not have to wait a long time for the equalising goal as Jakub Brabec netted the ball in the 9th minute, bringing the scoreline to 1-1.

Both teams kept on making attacking moves in the first half, but they did not manage to register more goals and as a result, at the half-time mark, the scoreline remained 1-1.

In the second half, England got a chance in the 57th minute to take the lead but Sterling was denied by Czech Republic's goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.

Zdenek Ondrasek defied the odds and registered a goal for the Czech Republic in the 85th minute to give the side a 2-1 lead.

England did not manage to score more goals and as a result, they had to suffer a loss.

Before this match, England had a perfect record in their group.

On the other hand, with four wins from their last five qualifiers, the Czech Republic is in good shape to finish in the top two.

Harry Kane said that England's defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic on Saturday in the Euro 2020 qualifiers is a wakeup call for the team. Kane took to Twitter and wrote, "Last night is a wake-up call for us.

Harry Kane said that England's defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic on Saturday in the Euro 2020 qualifiers is a wakeup call for the team. Kane took to Twitter and wrote, "Last night is a wake-up call for us. We have to be better and improve. Bulgaria next." Last night is a wake up call for us. We have to be better and improve. Bulgaria next. pic.twitter.com/qGVGnfUD2e — Harry Kane (@HKane) October 12, 2019 × England had not lost either a World Cup or European Championship qualifier since 2009. England was able to register an early goal. Kane converted the penalty in the fifth minute to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead. The Czech Republic did not have to wait a long time for the equalising goal as Jakub Brabec netted the ball in the 9th minute, bringing the scoreline to 1-1. Both teams kept on making attacking moves in the first half, but they did not manage to register more goals and as a result, at the half-time mark, the scoreline remained 1-1. In the second half, England got a chance in the 57th minute to take the lead but Sterling was denied by Czech Republic's goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik. Zdenek Ondrasek defied the odds and registered a goal for the Czech Republic in the 85th minute to give the side a 2-1 lead. England did not manage to score more goals and as a result, they had to suffer a loss. Before this match, England had a perfect record in their group. On the other hand, with four wins from their last five qualifiers, the Czech Republic is in good shape to finish in the top two.

Harry Kane says England's defeat to Czech Republic is a 'wakeup call'

Train derailment in Czech Republic, drone footage captured visuals. Watch video to know more.

Train derailment in Czech Republic, drone captures visuals

Compulsory voting to proxy voting to voting online: How 21 countries vote in European elections

Thousands of people rallied in Prague on Monday in fresh protests against the new justice minister over concerns she could clear the prime minister of fraud allegations.

Some 20,000 people gathered in the capital's historic Old Town Square for a third week in a row, according to Czech media, and thousands of others protested in the second city of Brno.&nbsp;

Police charged billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis in connection with a two-million-euro EU subsidy scam last year and called on prosecutors to indict him last month.

The protesters are concerned that Justice Minister Marie Benesova, named last month, might try to clear Babis of the accusations.

If found guilty, Babis could be jailed for up to 10 years.

He has repeatedly rejected the allegations against him as a plot and politically inspired.

Protesters blew whistles, rang bells and jangled keys, chanting "step down" and "shame".

"You lie, you steal, and you are called Bures," read one banner referring to a nickname Babis was given when allegedly serving as a Communist secret police agent in the 1980s.

Babis is the Czech Republic's second wealthiest man, according to Forbes.

Benesova, 71, was the Czech justice minister in 2013-2014 and the country's chief prosecutor in 1999-2005.

Babis is facing an EU probe into his ownership of the Agrofert chemicals, food and media group, which he has technically transferred to a trust to avoid a conflict of interest.

"This goes beyond any ethical boundaries," said Filip Chmel, a young civil engineer on a bike, clutching a sign reading "justice".

"I disagree with people like Benesova holding a public post. And I don't like the prime minister's conflict of interest and his arrogance," he said.

Babis's populist ANO emerged as the biggest party in October 2017 legislative elections with 78 of 200 seats in the lower house of parliament.&nbsp;

ANO joined forces with the CSSD Social Democratic party to form a minority government, supported by the communists.

ANO boasts 30-per cent support, according to opinion polls.

Thousands of people rallied in Prague on Monday in fresh protests against the new justice minister over concerns she could clear the prime minister of fraud allegations.

Thousands of people rallied in Prague on Monday in fresh protests against the new justice minister over concerns she could clear the prime minister of fraud allegations. Some 20,000 people gathered in the capital's historic Old Town Square for a third week in a row, according to Czech media, and thousands of others protested in the second city of Brno. Police charged billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis in connection with a two-million-euro EU subsidy scam last year and called on prosecutors to indict him last month. The protesters are concerned that Justice Minister Marie Benesova, named last month, might try to clear Babis of the accusations. If found guilty, Babis could be jailed for up to 10 years. He has repeatedly rejected the allegations against him as a plot and politically inspired. Protesters blew whistles, rang bells and jangled keys, chanting "step down" and "shame". "You lie, you steal, and you are called Bures," read one banner referring to a nickname Babis was given when allegedly serving as a Communist secret police agent in the 1980s. Babis is the Czech Republic's second wealthiest man, according to Forbes. Benesova, 71, was the Czech justice minister in 2013-2014 and the country's chief prosecutor in 1999-2005. Babis is facing an EU probe into his ownership of the Agrofert chemicals, food and media group, which he has technically transferred to a trust to avoid a conflict of interest. "This goes beyond any ethical boundaries," said Filip Chmel, a young civil engineer on a bike, clutching a sign reading "justice". "I disagree with people like Benesova holding a public post. And I don't like the prime minister's conflict of interest and his arrogance," he said. Babis's populist ANO emerged as the biggest party in October 2017 legislative elections with 78 of 200 seats in the lower house of parliament. ANO joined forces with the CSSD Social Democratic party to form a minority government, supported by the communists. ANO boasts 30-per cent support, according to opinion polls.

Fresh rally against Czech government draws thousands

The Czech Republic are hoping to exploit a perceived weakness in England's defence by targeting centre back Harry Maguire during their Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday, striker Matej Vydra has said.

Vydra, who also plays for Burnley, said his club had employed a similar strategy when they faced Maguire's Leicester City team in the Premier League this season and the approach paid dividends with the defender being sent off early on.

"(England's) attack is very strong. Defence, I don't say it's not strong as well, but it's not as strong as the attack," Vydra told reporters.

"For example, Maguire. We talked about him at Burnley before we played against Leicester. In some moments it seems he doesn't know what's happening behind him, that's why he got a red card after five minutes in the match against Burnley."

With England missing Manchester City centre back John Stones due to injury, Maguire is set to be joined by either Everton's Michael Keane or Vydra's Burnley team mate James Tarkowski in central defence.

Vydra said the Czechs planned to disrupt England's passing game by snapping into tackles and denying their opponents time on the ball.

"(England) like to hold the ball so we have to be close to them," he added. "Don't be afraid to kick them three or four times — then they may change the plan and play one or two touches."

England play the Czech Republic at Wembley before travelling to take on Montenegro on Monday.

The Czech Republic are hoping to exploit a perceived weakness in England's defence by targeting centre back Harry Maguire during their Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday, striker Matej Vydra has said.

The Czech Republic are hoping to exploit a perceived weakness in England's defence by targeting centre back Harry Maguire during their Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday, striker Matej Vydra has said. Vydra, who also plays for Burnley, said his club had employed a similar strategy when they faced Maguire's Leicester City team in the Premier League this season and the approach paid dividends with the defender being sent off early on. "(England's) attack is very strong. Defence, I don't say it's not strong as well, but it's not as strong as the attack," Vydra told reporters. "For example, Maguire. We talked about him at Burnley before we played against Leicester. In some moments it seems he doesn't know what's happening behind him, that's why he got a red card after five minutes in the match against Burnley." With England missing Manchester City centre back John Stones due to injury, Maguire is set to be joined by either Everton's Michael Keane or Vydra's Burnley team mate James Tarkowski in central defence. Vydra said the Czechs planned to disrupt England's passing game by snapping into tackles and denying their opponents time on the ball. "(England) like to hold the ball so we have to be close to them," he added. "Don't be afraid to kick them three or four times — then they may change the plan and play one or two touches." England play the Czech Republic at Wembley before travelling to take on Montenegro on Monday.

Harry Maguire is England's weak link, says Czech striker

The art of traditional puppetry goes back eight generations in the Kopecky family, which over a period of two centuries, has been behind one of the most charming and popular forms of theatre in the Czech Republic.

Matej Kopecky and his wife Vladimira belong to the seventh generation. Their prestigious itinerant theatre continues to attract young crowds captivated by shows full of humour and which inevitably come to a close with a happy ending.

"In our country, it would be unthinkable not to have a happy ending, which is different from the north of Europe, where the tales are crueller," Matej told EFE. At the age of 65, he refuses to renounce his nomadic lifestyle.

His expertises are renowned in the Czech Republic and beyond and have landed him roles in films like "The Adventures of Pinocchio" (1996), directed by Steve Barron and starring Martin Landau as Mister Gepetto.

Matek and Mirka, as the husband and wife duo are familiarly known, are the faces of a saga that has its origins in the 18th century with Matej Kopecky (1775-1847), who in 1825 began to tour around Bohemia in a caravan of marionettes, performing shows on the road.

The puppet master not only found success in the countryside, where the form of theatre chimed with the locals, but it took hold in urban areas with the advent of the Romanticism movement.

The art form, therefore, influenced key figures such as Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, who many attribute with fomenting the idea of a Czech national identity, said Jan Dvorak, an art critic, fellow puppeteer and author of "Matej, Mata, Matusek and the sixth generation of the Kopecky family."

Nowadays, 200 years since their predecessors blaze the puppetry trail, Matej and Mirka restrict their shows to the winter period, putting on about 20 performances a month.

At the beginning of February, they brought "The Winter Tales of Mala Strana," a love story written by one of their sons, to the stage at the Podebrady theatre in eastern Prague.

The performance alternates between puppetry, comedy and musical, it regales the audience with the tale of three snowmen who, in trying to find their place in the city, make friends with a lost dog who needs to find its way home.

Performing in front of hundreds of people seems to give vital energy to Matej, who would like to spend five more years living his nomadic lifestyle, as his ancestors did.

"Every actor is an exhibitionist and of course they like success and applause," he said. "If everything ends well and chimes with the public, it is more satisfying than money," he added.

The Theater of Spejbl and Hurbinek in Prague, where Matej Kopecky Jnr&nbsp;works is the last art space entirely dedicated to puppet shows.

"Puppet theatre is the most traditional form that exists, based in ancient techniques of manipulating strings from above," said the member of the eighth generation of the puppeteer family.

"You are born with it and also we grew up in a theatre and we lived in the theatre's accommodation, so it is part of our lives," he added.

The art of traditional puppetry goes back eight generations in the Kopecky family, which over a period of two centuries, has been behind one of the most charming and popular forms of theatre in the Czech Republic.

The art of traditional puppetry goes back eight generations in the Kopecky family, which over a period of two centuries, has been behind one of the most charming and popular forms of theatre in the Czech Republic. Matej Kopecky and his wife Vladimira belong to the seventh generation. Their prestigious itinerant theatre continues to attract young crowds captivated by shows full of humour and which inevitably come to a close with a happy ending. "In our country, it would be unthinkable not to have a happy ending, which is different from the north of Europe, where the tales are crueller," Matej told EFE. At the age of 65, he refuses to renounce his nomadic lifestyle. His expertises are renowned in the Czech Republic and beyond and have landed him roles in films like "The Adventures of Pinocchio" (1996), directed by Steve Barron and starring Martin Landau as Mister Gepetto. Matek and Mirka, as the husband and wife duo are familiarly known, are the faces of a saga that has its origins in the 18th century with Matej Kopecky (1775-1847), who in 1825 began to tour around Bohemia in a caravan of marionettes, performing shows on the road. The puppet master not only found success in the countryside, where the form of theatre chimed with the locals, but it took hold in urban areas with the advent of the Romanticism movement. The art form, therefore, influenced key figures such as Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, who many attribute with fomenting the idea of a Czech national identity, said Jan Dvorak, an art critic, fellow puppeteer and author of "Matej, Mata, Matusek and the sixth generation of the Kopecky family." Nowadays, 200 years since their predecessors blaze the puppetry trail, Matej and Mirka restrict their shows to the winter period, putting on about 20 performances a month. At the beginning of February, they brought "The Winter Tales of Mala Strana," a love story written by one of their sons, to the stage at the Podebrady theatre in eastern Prague. The performance alternates between puppetry, comedy and musical, it regales the audience with the tale of three snowmen who, in trying to find their place in the city, make friends with a lost dog who needs to find its way home. Performing in front of hundreds of people seems to give vital energy to Matej, who would like to spend five more years living his nomadic lifestyle, as his ancestors did. "Every actor is an exhibitionist and of course they like success and applause," he said. "If everything ends well and chimes with the public, it is more satisfying than money," he added. The Theater of Spejbl and Hurbinek in Prague, where Matej Kopecky Jnr works is the last art space entirely dedicated to puppet shows. "Puppet theatre is the most traditional form that exists, based in ancient techniques of manipulating strings from above," said the member of the eighth generation of the puppeteer family. "You are born with it and also we grew up in a theatre and we lived in the theatre's accommodation, so it is part of our lives," he added.

The family breathing life into 200 years of puppetry in the Czech Republic

Thirteen miners died and 10 were injured after a fire caused by burning methane erupted in a mine in the east of the Czech Republic, a spokesman said Friday.

"In total, we have 13 dead miners, 11 Polish and two Czech," Ivo Celechovsky, spokesman for the OKD mining company, told AFP.

The accident occurred at the CSM mine in the city of Karvina, about 300 kilometres (200 miles) east of Prague, on Thursday afternoon.

"The blast at the CSM mine is a huge tragedy," tweeted Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who will travel to the site on Friday morning along with his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki.

Celechovsky said on Thursday the dead Polish miners were from the Poland-based Alpex mining company.

"We're one big family, it's a terrible tragedy," a Czech miner told the local Polar TV.

Czech media said Friday the accident occurred at a depth of about 3,000 feet&nbsp;and that the fire had not been put out yet.

OKD, which runs the mine, is controlled by the Czech state and expects to extract five million tonnes of coal this year.

Thirteen miners died and 10 were injured after a fire caused by burning methane erupted in a mine in the east of the Czech Republic, a spokesman said Friday. "In total, we have 13 dead miners, 11 Polish and two Czech," Ivo Celechovsky, spokesman for the OKD mining company, told AFP.

Thirteen miners died and 10 were injured after a fire caused by burning methane erupted in a mine in the east of the Czech Republic, a spokesman said Friday. "In total, we have 13 dead miners, 11 Polish and two Czech," Ivo Celechovsky, spokesman for the OKD mining company, told AFP. The accident occurred at the CSM mine in the city of Karvina, about 300 kilometres (200 miles) east of Prague, on Thursday afternoon. "The blast at the CSM mine is a huge tragedy," tweeted Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who will travel to the site on Friday morning along with his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki. Celechovsky said on Thursday the dead Polish miners were from the Poland-based Alpex mining company. "We're one big family, it's a terrible tragedy," a Czech miner told the local Polar TV. Czech media said Friday the accident occurred at a depth of about 3,000 feet and that the fire had not been put out yet. OKD, which runs the mine, is controlled by the Czech state and expects to extract five million tonnes of coal this year.

13 dead, several injured after fire in Czech mine

The Czech Republic won their sixth Fed Cup title in eight years on Sunday as world doubles number one Katerina Siniakova outlasted American Sofia Kenin 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 in front of a boisterous, sold-out home crowd.

In an exciting back-and-forth rubber lasting three hours 45 minutes, Siniakova held off the 19-year-old Fed Cup debutante to give the Czechs a 3-0 win in the final against a United States team who were the defending champions but were missing their top players.

Despite also losing their two best players just before the final, the Czechs proved their dominance in the women’s team tournament this decade, leaning on the hustle of Siniakova.

"It was an unbelievable match for me. It was up and down, nerves," the 22-year-old Siniakova said on the court after the marathon match that was just short of the longest rubber - at four hours flat - in Fed Cup history.

"I am just terribly happy I won."

Siniakova, who won the French Open and Wimbledon doubles titles with her Czech teammate Barbora Krejcikova this season, proved too much in the end for the Russian-born Kenin, who cried after the match and was consoled by her teammates.

With the Czechs an unassailable 3-0 up in the best-of-five final, the second reverse singles and the doubles were cancelled.

The competition's two most successful nations were meeting in a Fed Cup final for the first time in more than three decades.

The US team, though, fielded three Fed Cup newcomers, including Kenin, as they were without Serena and Venus Williams, holders of a combined 30 grand slam singles titles, along with world number six Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys, semi-finalist at both Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows.

On the Czech side, world number eight Karolina Pliskova pulled out with injury and twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova could only cheer from the bench after fighting illness this week.

The Czech Republic won their sixth Fed Cup title in eight years on Sunday as world doubles number one Katerina Siniakova outlasted American Sofia Kenin 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 in front of a boisterous, sold-out home crowd.

The Czech Republic won their sixth Fed Cup title in eight years on Sunday as world doubles number one Katerina Siniakova outlasted American Sofia Kenin 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 in front of a boisterous, sold-out home crowd. In an exciting back-and-forth rubber lasting three hours 45 minutes, Siniakova held off the 19-year-old Fed Cup debutante to give the Czechs a 3-0 win in the final against a United States team who were the defending champions but were missing their top players. Despite also losing their two best players just before the final, the Czechs proved their dominance in the women’s team tournament this decade, leaning on the hustle of Siniakova. "It was an unbelievable match for me. It was up and down, nerves," the 22-year-old Siniakova said on the court after the marathon match that was just short of the longest rubber - at four hours flat - in Fed Cup history. "I am just terribly happy I won." Siniakova, who won the French Open and Wimbledon doubles titles with her Czech teammate Barbora Krejcikova this season, proved too much in the end for the Russian-born Kenin, who cried after the match and was consoled by her teammates. With the Czechs an unassailable 3-0 up in the best-of-five final, the second reverse singles and the doubles were cancelled. The competition's two most successful nations were meeting in a Fed Cup final for the first time in more than three decades. The US team, though, fielded three Fed Cup newcomers, including Kenin, as they were without Serena and Venus Williams, holders of a combined 30 grand slam singles titles, along with world number six Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys, semi-finalist at both Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows. On the Czech side, world number eight Karolina Pliskova pulled out with injury and twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova could only cheer from the bench after fighting illness this week.

Czech Republic beat US to win sixth Fed Cup in eight years

Czech lawmakers have approved a government plan to increase the number of troops deployed in Afghanistan and other countries, according to news reports.

The plan calls for the Czech Republic to deploy 390 soldiers in Afghanistan through 2020, up from the current 230, as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission that provides training, advice and assistance to local security forces.

As many as 110 Czechs will serve in Iraq, including military training instructors, up from 49 at present.&nbsp;

Some 120 soldiers will be dispatched to Africa's Sahel region, including Mali, as part of a European Union force.

Up to 385 Czechs will also serve in the Baltic states and Poland in NATO forces.

Today's vote in the parliament's lower house followed approval by its upper house, the Senate.&nbsp;

As many as 110 Czechs will serve in Iraq, including military training instructors, up from 49 at present.

Czech lawmakers have approved a government plan to increase the number of troops deployed in Afghanistan and other countries, according to news reports. The plan calls for the Czech Republic to deploy 390 soldiers in Afghanistan through 2020, up from the current 230, as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support mission that provides training, advice and assistance to local security forces. As many as 110 Czechs will serve in Iraq, including military training instructors, up from 49 at present. Some 120 soldiers will be dispatched to Africa's Sahel region, including Mali, as part of a European Union force. Up to 385 Czechs will also serve in the Baltic states and Poland in NATO forces. Today's vote in the parliament's lower house followed approval by its upper house, the Senate.

Czech Parliament approves more troops for Afghanistan, Iraq

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