CZECH the NewsNews Newsletter of the Embassy of the of the Czech Republic Winter 2004

In this issue: President Vaclav Klaus Congratulates

President Vaclav Klaus US President George W. Bush Congratulates US President hortly after the presidential election in the United States of America, the Czech President sent a George W. Bush...... 1 message to his American counterpart expressing his appreciation of George Bush´s successful Celebrating November 1989, Sre-election for his second term as the 43rd President of the United States. Return of Democracy in Miami...... 2 Dear Mr. President, Message from the Let me congratulate you on my behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Czech Republic on your re- Ambassador...... 2 election to the post of the President of the United States of America.

Europe Must Stand Fast Against Many Czech nationals view your country as a symbol of freedom, optimism, individualism, liberal Castro’s Tyranny...... 3 economic environment and conservative values. That is why it is not surprising that strong ties binding our countries in the past led naturally to the forming of an alliance between our OECD Report: Economic Survey of the Czech Republic 2004...... 5 countries within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Even after our entry into the EU, the Euro-Atlantic cooperation remains a major pillar of our foreign policy. Growth Has Picked Up, Reflecting I very much appreciate, that throughout these difficult times you have been acting as a true leader of Past Reforms...... 5 the American nation, being consistent in your opinions and attitudes, regardless of numerous objections News Brief...... 5 from various sides. I personally attach a great importance to this quality. Once again, let me congratulate you and your team for doing an outstanding job during the Outsourcing from the CR Is No Threat to US Jobs...... 6 campaign, on your great success.

US Benefits from EU Enlargement...... 7 Vaclav Klaus

Prazsky Vyber...... 8

MFA Financial Contribution for 2006...... 8

2005 Czech Course in Celebrating November 1989, Dobruska...... 8 Return of Democracy in Miami 2005 SVU Conference Update...... 9 n November 9, 2004, Madeleine Albright and leading Business Buzz...... 9 exactly fifteen years organizations promoting democra- Oafter the Fall of the cy in Cuba. New Honorary Consulate of the Berlin Wall in the then-Eastern Martin Palous, the Czech Czech Republic Opens in Detroit...... 10 Germany and subsequent series Ambassador to the USA, of revolutions across Central told the gathering that Cuba's Czech Authors Available at Catbird and Eastern Europe that brought abuse of human rights should Press...... 11 back democracy, the Czech be addressed by the internation- Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej Embassy hosted an “Evening of al community. In a video Ambassador Palous at Miami Solidarity,” in Miami, home of message from , former Conference many exiled Cubans. Czech President Vaclav Havel (Prague selection). Michael This event, aimed at support- wished Cuba a “quick arrival of Kocab, the lead singer of the ing Cuban opposition and democracy.” band, stated that the Prague expressing our solidarity with The evening in Manuel Selection ''. . . came to Cubans living on the Island Artime Community Center in awaken democracy in Cuba." under the dictatorship of Fidel Miami´s Little Havana began The band performed for an Castro, included messages by with a presentation of photo- audience of Cuban exiles as well U.S. President George W. Bush, graphs from the Island, illustrat- as several dozens of young former Czech President Vaclav ing uneasy life under the dicta- Czechs in order to demonstrate Havel, and letters by Senator torship, followed by a musical the Czech solidarity with John McCain as well as the for- performance by a famous Czech Cubans and to encourage mer U.S. Secretary of State rock band, Prazsky Vyber (continued on page 2) Czech the News/Winter 2004 1 Ambassador Message from the Ambassador am glad to announce to you about our activities here in the prospects and challenges the that the Czech Embassy will US as well as about the Czech economy is facing in this new, Iresume production of the Republic in general, so I encour- truly European context. I believe printed version of Czech the age you to browse through our that you will enjoy reading News, beginning with the page. Czech the News. Winter 2004 issue, which you I present to you the last issue As I look back at the year have just opened. As you may be of 2004, featuring the celebra- 2004, I see two major political aware, since the spring of this tion of freedom in Miami on events. For us, Czechs, it was year, we have experienced some the occasion of the 15th the entry into the European technical difficulties which pre- Anniversary of the Fall of the Union, for which we have Photo courtesy of Chad Evans Wyatt vented us from keeping you up- Berlin Wall. As always, we are worked for more than a decade. season, Happy Holidays and all to-date on developments in the enclosing News Brief and eco- For Americans, it was the presi- the best in the New Year 2005. I Czech Republic, but we at least nomic as well as cultural news, dential election. I am sure that wish for all of us to be blessed managed to resort to an internet including "calendar of events" at these key events of 2004 will with good health, prosperity, and version of the newsletter, and we the Embassy. In the economic prove themselves to be wise above all, the gift of an under- kept Czech the News available section of our newsletter, you decisions and that they will bring standing heart in the coming for you on our web page. The will find a few interesting pieces all of us an even greater deal of year. web page (www.mzv.cz/wash- about the Czech economy as a prosperity and democracy. ington), however, remains a newcomer to the common I would like to wish all of you valuable source of information European market and about the a happy and quiet Christmas

Celebrating November 1989, Return of Democracy in Miami (cont’d) (continued from page 1) for more than three hours and it dissidents in their fight for free- turned out to be a huge success. dom. The Central European November 9, 2004 was also a sound of Prague selection was significant day for various complemented with Cuban activists, intellectuals as well as music, performed by SaSon. diplomats, who attended a con- The concert built a "bridge" ference entitled "Transition from between Miami and Cuba Communism in Central Europe: through the musical perform- Lessons Learned, Challenges

ance. The entire event was ahead for Cuba," organized by Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej broadcast to Cuba via TV Marti Professor Jaime Suchlicki, as a special Central European head of the "Cuba Transition gift to all freedom- Project" at the Prazsky Vyber before their concert in Miami, FL loving Cubans. University of During the intermis- Miami. At the was attended, among others, by communism to democracy. He is sion, scenes from conference in James Cason, head of the U.S. a former member of the tearing down the Omni Colonnade Interests Section in Havana, who Parliament, and he was directly Wall in Berlin in Hotel in Coral spoke about poor conditions and involved in the forming of the 1989 were present- Gables, the par- lack of democracy in Cuba. first, post-communist Czechoslovak ed. The footage of ticipants delib- Prazsky vyber, a popular rock government. He also presided return of democracy erated on how band in in the over the withdrawal of Soviet to central Europe Cuba might 80s, toured the United States for troops from Czechoslovakia brought memories evolve in the concerts in Los Angeles, in early nineties. Speaking and sometimes tears future beyond Washington, D.C. and New York about the "old times" in commu- in the eyes of those Fidel Castro City, as part of the cultural pro- nist Czechoslovakia, Prague who witnessed this and his commu- gram of the Czech Embassy Selection drummer Klaudius moment in history. nist regime. commemorating the 15th Kryspin said: ''We got banned by The unique show, Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej This confer- A fan at the Miami concert anniversary of the Velvet the regime, but we kept playing. hosted by a famous holds up both the Czech and ence, featuring Revolution. The frontrunner of If everybody just gives up, noth- TV personality well Cuban flags. former US Ambas- the band, Michael Kocab, was at ing can change. We want to send known to all Cubans in Miami, sador to Geneva, Ms. Jeane the very heart of events that any message we can to the Ms. Maria Elvira Salazar, lasted Kirkpatrick as keynote speaker, brought Czechoslovakia from people of Cuba not to give up." 2 Czech the News/Winter 2004 Current EEvents Europe Must Stand Fast Against Castro's Tyranny By Martin Palous he European Union is News Brief discussing a proposal to Treappraise its common November 9, 2004 position that all EU embassies in Fall of Berlin Wall Cuba are open to all Cubans, amidst upheaval in including members of Fidel Eastern Europe Castro's opposition and relatives of political prisoners. Such a Fifteen years ago, on reappraisal is what Castro wants. November 9th, 1989, the I believe it would be a great infamous Berlin Wall fell, betrayal of the Cuban people bringing down a barrier and of our values rooted that had held East Germans in liberty. behind the Iron Curtain, the The issue will be revisited in most potent symbol of

Brussels in the next week on the Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej divided Europe. The fall of level of working group for Latin the Wall was not just the Conference in Miami, FL America, but Cuban dissidents end of the communist on the island have already begun badly harm the dissidents. brave Cuban people. We know regime in East Germany to convey their concerns to the Cubans dream of freedom, and well their situation of being but anticipated the political outside world. they deserve our support and harassed, blackmailed, ridiculed, changes in the whole of solidarity. Peoples in Central persecuted and jailed. From our Eastern and Central "Our experience is that Europe know something of what own experience, we also know Europe. At the same time every time foreign they suffer. the crucial importance of inter- in , the communist governments give in to On Nov. 9, we commemorat- national pressure to the dissident government was seriously the pressures of the ed the 15th anniversary of the struggle. negotiating with the oppo- totalitarian government fall of the Berlin Wall that The Czech Republic, on sition movement Solidarity in Havana, repression divided Europe after the Second behalf of the Czech people, has and the Hungarian World War. There is no doubt worked hard to unite the Free is intensified," Communist Party had Marta Beatriz Roque, that in spite of all transitional World in support of Cubans. In already taken the road to troubles connected either with the spring of 1999, at the annual Vladimiro Roca and other dis- democratic reform. On our own democratizations or conference of the U.N. November 17, the sidents wrote in a letter to the with the birth pangs of an entire- Commission for Human Rights Czechoslovak communist international media . ly new era, Central European in Geneva, we introduced a res- system began to crumble as nations have made gigantic olution criticizing the Cuban well. Jiri Dienstbier, for- steps forward regime for the imprisonment of mer dissident, who later A couple of days ago, to restore dissidents and other blatant became the foreign minis- the 2002 laureate open and human rights violations. A year ter says that dissidents real- of the European democratic earlier a U.S.-sponsored resolu- ized that history was being Parliament's Sacharov's societies and tion calling attention to the made, and they got ready to Prize Oswaldo Paya today are Cuban situation had failed. In act: "We followed the warned the EU not to enjoying the order to succeed, we knew we development in all neigh- change its common freedoms had to frame our argument on bouring countries. In East position and give con- they were Cuba so as to "de-bilateralize" Germany, in Poland, in cessions to the commu- deprived of the debate. Hungary, and we knew that nist government: "It for decades. Castro's human rights record it is time to act now, that it was the government Freedom, was condemned that year. The is the end of at least the that broke off contacts however, is productive cooperation between closed regime. We could with the EU embassies, Photo courtesy of Ondrej Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej not only the the U.S., the EU and the demo- not expect that it would fall because they invited Ambassador Palous with Pedro greatest possi- cratic countries of Latin so quickly and absolutely, us…The political dia- Fuentes-Cid, Spokesman for ble gift we America, turned out to be a con- but at least it was time for logue must have the Presidio Political Cubano, in Miami, FL could be given. dition sine qua non for our us to move as quickly as goals of the release of It is also success in what seemed at the possible to achieve what political prisoners in an awesome responsibility. beginning to be "mission was achievable at this the short term and then demo- Precisely because we lived in a impossible." time." cratic reforms." communist dictatorship and saw It is the spirit of this new (continued on page 4) The message cannot be clear- firsthand how totalitarian mech- internationalism within the Free er: Closing the EU embassies to anisms worked to crush the spir- World that we believe will initi- dissidents would be perceived as it and the foundations of moral ate the final push that will help a gesture of appeasement and structures, we feel the obligation set Cuba on the path toward tolerance to Castro that will to speak up on behalf of the (continued on page 4) Czech the News/Winter 2004 3 Current EEvents Europe Must Stand Fast News Brief (continued from page 3) Against Castro's Tyranny (cont’d) November 17, 2004 (continued from page 3) people seeking Commemorating democracy. It must be contin- a nonviolent Jan Opletal, ued. The Free World has an transition to whose murder unconditional moral obligation democracy is triggered to express solidarity with the stronger than student marches unjustly persecuted, jailed and ever. Cuban harassed dissidents struggling political prison- On the morning of for freedom. Free nations must ers are not for-

November 17th, 1989, no send a clear signal to dictators gotten as their Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej one would have believed like Castro that their methods jailers would Frank Calzon, Director of the Washington based that the events of that day are unacceptable in a civilized wish, but have Center for Free Cuba, at the Miami Conference. would lead to the collapse world. become the conscience of the Rivero, on probation for health of decades of the This view is already widely Free World. The time when the reasons. It is always a reason to Communist regime. A held. In September, Prague host- Castro regime was able to mis- celebrate when innocent people peaceful student march ed a conference organized by the lead many around the world by return home from communist was violently cracked International Committee for masquerading as a "socialist" prisons, but there is no evidence down by the police. Almost Democracy in Cuba. An revolution in a life-and-death whatsoever that this "humanitar- 200 students were injured unprecedented gathering of aca- struggle with the imperialistic ian gesture" signals the real by the police force, trigger- demics, journalists, NGO giant in the North, is over. change of Cuban official policy. ing a wave of nationwide activists and politicians (includ- The conference announced the There are still too many other protests leading to the ing former presidents of Costa creation of an international net- dissidents serving long term change of regime. This stu- Rica, the Czech Republic, Chile work of solidarity with Cuba, sentences and there are even dent march became a tradi- and Uruguay, former prime min- ready to work with Cuban new trials under preparation. tion fifty years before isters of Bulgaria, Canada, democrats to attain their funda- The case of Nestor Rodriguez November 1989, when Jan and , members mental objective: to throw off Lobaina, President of Young Opletal, a medical student of parliament from the yoke of Cubans for Democracy at the Charles University in Argentina, Chile, the totalitarian- Movement, who is serving six Prague, was shot dead Czech Republic, Finland, ism and to years in prison for "disrespect while protesting against Germany, Guatemala, live in a free to the figure of Commander the Nazi occupation of Mexico, , Spain, country; in a Fidel Castro" and who is now Czechoslovakia in 1939. Sweden, the United nation that is facing new charges brought Kingdom and Uruguay), genuinely against him, demonstrates clear- spent two full days "Patria para ly what the real intentions of the seeking ways to ame- todos" (The totalitarian regime are. Let us be liorate suffering in homeland of very clear here. The suggested Cuba, made the more all), with a change of the EU position on poignant by the mes- democrati- Cuba would not help the cause sages from relatives of Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej cally elected of human rights and democracy Ambassador Palous and

Photo courtesy of Jan Sibik prisoners and human- Maria Elvira Salazar, a popu- government, in Cuba. It would effectively be The nation unites in a protest rights activists that were lar TV host, opening the respectful of turning our backs on those received, smuggled out show in Miami, FL human rights struggling for freedom while we Remembering of the island. and the rule of law, capable of embrace Fidel Castro. It would November 17 In contrast to the past when bringing the nation from its cur- be an unconscionable act. democratic nations were often rent misery and despair to the It was almost 20 years ago in On November 17, 1989 divided on the issue of Cuba, path of reconciliation, justice Berlin when President Ronald (the 50th Anniversary of European, Latin American and and economic prosperity. Reagan called on the Soviet the execution of nine North American participants of But now some in Europe want Leader Mikhail Gorbachev to Czech student leaders and the Prague conference, repre- to go backwards, adopting a new "tear down this wall." Let us the closure of the universi- senting a broad spectrum of policy of détente with the Cuban send now a similar message to ties by the Nazis), a large political views and experiences, dictatorship that would shut dis- Havana: Fidel Castro, open your student demonstration took were united in their desire to sidents out of our embassies. prisons, and go! place, along with members assist in the rebirth of Cuban The argument is that it is neces- Ambassador Palous is a of "unofficial" groups. democracy. sary to overcome the current former dissident, he presented During the event, sponta- The Prague Memorandum impasse in the communication the 1999 resolution condemning neous expressions of resist- was addressed to all Cubans, and between the EU and the Cuban the Castro regime at the meeting ance to the regime were most importantly to Castro and government that after all recent- of the U.N. Commission on (continued on page 5) his cronies. It stated that interna- ly released 14 political prison- Human Rights in Geneva. tional support for the Cuban ers, including the poet Raul 4 Czech the News/Winter 2004 Business OECD Report: News Brief Economic Survey of the Czech Republic 2004 (continued from page 4) Following accession to the European Union, the big issue for the Czech Republic is to strengthen growth prospects. Growth potential at present is somewhat above 3 met with brutal police inter- per cent, implying a moderate pace of catch-up to living standards in the EU. There vention. On November 18, is room for greater ambition in growth performance, and it is welcome to see this The Civic Forum and The reflected in the program of the new Czech government. Public Against Violence as well as activists (in 1977, a group of intel- Growth Has Picked Up, Reflecting Past Reforms lectuals signed a manifesto, Charter 77, protesting the rowth in the Czech economic policy, and is not ERM II will only be made if the suppression of human Republic is projected only necessary to cope with probability of a positive first rights in Czechoslovakia), Gby the OECD to be ageing and to bring down the assessment by the EU authori- students, and other intellec- around 4 per cent, this year and tax burden but is also needed to ties is high. The choice of a 3 tuals attracted the attention next, marking substantial fulfill the euro-area entry con- per cent inflation target for the of other citizens. On progress over past performance ditions. The fiscal reform has run-up to euro entry is justifi- November 19, the Velvet and reflecting the success of begun, including proposals for able on medium-term grounds. Revolution was launched past reforms. Investment and a system of multi-year aggre- However there may be some and came with the strike of exports are expanding rapidly, gate spending ceilings and sig- difficulty communicating the students and theatres. The taking over from a period of nificant expenditure cuts. consistency of this target with was strong increase in domestic However, to date, mainly rev- the Maastricht criterion for characterized not by consumption. This good per- enue-raising measures have price stability. The Czech weapons, but by the use of formance needs to be sustained, been implemented while the authorities should therefore pay information and publicity. and preferably enhanced, for full impact of expenditure close attention to how the Late in 1989, emboldened living standards to catch up measures is yet to be realized. Maastricht criteria are inter- by the sweeping political with the OECD average at a The attempt to secure broad preted and applied by the changes taking place in reasonable pace. This means political consensus on pension European Commission and the East Germany, Poland, creating the right conditions for reform is commendable, but it ECB and adjust their commun- Hungary, and the Soviet continued capital deepening, must be underscored that what- cation strategy accordingly. Union itself, hundreds of efficient utilization of labor ever reform is finally imple- demonstrators took to the resources and the further mented, it will have to bring Making the streets to demand political development of relevant skills. considerable fiscal savings. environment for and economic liberation, In many areas, good policy Health-care reform also has to environment for business more beginning in Prague on has already created deliver savings, but concrete November 17th. Later in convenient conditions for proposals have yet to be made. growth-friendly November, Secretary growth. For some years now, To facilitate assessment of the General of the Communist inflation has been low and sta- true fiscal position, extra-budg- Most of the catch-up in living Party Jakes resigned along ble and membership of the EU etary funds need to be more standards will have to come with other members of the has prompted further progress fully integrated in mainstream from boosting productivity Politburo. Finally, on in structural reform. Indeed, government budgeting proce- growth. This means swifter November 28, 1989, the institutions and policies now dures. Also, with the further re-allocation of resources Communist Party allowed closely resemble those in many decentralization of public serv- across firms as well as stronger noncommunist ministers other OECD countries. ices, the need for good budget- in-firm productivity growth. into the cabinet, giving up At the same time, however, ing practices and accountability While the Czech Republic is a its 41-year monopoly of there are challenges related to in regional and municipal strong competitor for attracting political power. In the fiscal position, business governments is all the more foreign direct investment, poli- December, the National conditions and the labor mar- important. cy towards poorly performing Assembly chose Alexander ket. These will need to be firms and business start-ups has Dubcek as its chairman and addressed alongside the A successful entry problems, slowing down the towards the end of 1989 approaching challenges of euro into the euro area exit and entry of firms. the Assembly elected play- entry and accelerated ageing of Bankruptcy procedures are wright and dissident leader the population. The key policy cumbersome, often long and The Central Bank and the Vaclav Havel to the post of issues can be summed up under usually end up in liquidation, Ministry of Finance have creat- President. In June 1990, four headings: with asset stripping not uncom- ed a transparent strategy for the first free elections in 42 mon. Reforms have long-since entering the euro area that fore- years resulted in the forma- been planned, and it is wel- Fiscal sees minimizing the time spent tion of a new, non-commu- come that new legislation looks consolidation in ERM II. Annual reports will nist Federal Assembly. finally set to go ahead. assess the economic conditions November 17 is a National Fiscal consolidation is the in relation to the Maastricht (continued on page 6) (continued on page 11) dominant challenge for macro- criteria and a request to enter

Czech the News/Winter 2004 5 Business Outsourcing from the CR News Brief (continued from page 5) Is No Threat to U.S. Jobs hile the U.S. political and U.S. firms. Holiday for all Czechs and debate about outsourc- Outsourcing of man- Slovaks. It is called Wing and offshoring ufacturing parts, Freedom and Democracy goes on, U.S. companies keep knowledge and serv- Day, commemorating the on outsourcing and offshoring, ices from the Czech anti-Nazi student demon- including from the Czech Republic constitutes strations of 1939 and the Republic. "The unrelenting pres- no threat to U.S. job anti-Communist demon-

sure on U.S. companies to market for several Authority Photo courtesy of the Czech Tourist strations of 1989. continue to cut labor costs guar- reasons. In terms of A view of Prague, Czech Republic antees that more work will be population (10.4 mil.), the which 50.000 study economy done in America by fewer Czech Republic cannot be com- and finance and 20.000 IT. people. In addition, from China pared in any way to China or Czechs have the highest second- to the Czech Republic, there is India. Therefore, the volume of ary level school completion rate virtually an unlimited supply of goods and services outsourced in Europe. Demand for universi- industrious and educated labor from the CR is very little in ty education has fostered new working at a fraction of U.S. comparison to the magnitude of private colleges and language wages. And these workers´ skills U.S. outsourcing and offshoring schools. 70% of population is November 22, 2004 will be enhanced by the to China or India. Further, the able to communicate in at least Gross confident expansion abroad of the research R&D or maintenance centers of one foreign language, with Euroconstitution to companies such as IBM and U.S. firms located in the CR English and German being the strengthen the Intel employing local talent." serve mostly local or European most represented ones. Active Czech Republic writes Jeffrey E. Garten in his activities of global U.S. firms, knowledge of Central European article "Offshoring: You Ain´t and only at a limited scale add languages and Russian is key Prime Minister Stanislav Seen Nothin´Yet" in the value to U.S. based operations. factor to success in country Gross firmly believes that Business Week. Yes, the Czech U.S. corporations need some competition for European serv- the European constitution Republic is indeed on the foothold for their European ice centers of multinationals. will strengthen the position radar screens of U.S. economic operations, in a single market The CR still keeps its low-cost of the Czech Republic in researchers and globally bigger than the U.S. market, and advantage for shared centers in the European Union, he thinking companies. simply have to place their comparison to Western said after a meeting with Outsourcing can be facilities in some European spot. European states or North Luxembourg's Prime viewed from many per- While Europe (the EU) is African or Middle East coun- Minister Jean-Claude spectives. From the per- nowadays big enough, they have tries. Operational costs in other Juncker. Juncker arrived in spective of the lesser many options. In addition, out- Czech cities than Prague are Prague to become developed world, out- sourcing is not the correct word comparable to those in Asia. The acquainted with the Czech sourcing has been the for business activities within the country excels in telecommuni- government views on EU best form of foreign or EU market, including sub- cation infrastructure with multi- issues. Luxembourg will U.S. aid to the developing sidiaries of U.S. companies in ple providers of voice, data and chair the EU for six months countries or countries in eco- Europe. As U.S. firms do not Internet services of the latest starting from the beginning nomic transition, such as the outsource from California to standard of worlds class of next year. Prime post-communist countries of Wisconsin, they do not out- technology. Minister Gross said that he Central Europe, which proudly source from Central Europe to As a result of the EU acces- had " . . . no doubt that the joined the EU this year. The Spain, as they operate in one sion, FDI is getting stronger. In voice of the presidency tradeoff of outsourcing and off- single European market. the first half of 2004, the total will be widely heard" and shoring is creation of more jobs The Czech Republic has been value of new investment proj- that he is " . . . confident and thus wealthier consumers an attractive place not only for ects handled by CzechInvest that it will be proven with abroad. Wealthier consumers the government investment alone is close to 1 billion Euros. the help of constructive mean more demand for higher incentives, but for its industrial Compared to the first six months arguments that the ratifica- end products of U.S. global and cultural tradition and skilled a year earlier the number of proj- tion of the European con- companies from Coca-Cola to educated labor in the first place. ects doubled. The projects stitution is a step in the cor- Nike shoes and Intel powered ExxonMobil, DHL, IBM, indicate creation of at least rect direction and will HP computers and computing Ingersoll Rand, Honeywell and 8.500 new jobs, of which strengthen the position of gear. others, have picked the CR for university or high school gradu- the Czech Republic". Traditionally the CR has been their major European presence ates will fill in 60%. This repre- (continued on page 7) a sweetheart to German firms for many good reasons.¨ sents a radical shift from outsourcing products and servic- Among other criteria, the CR classical manufacturing to es abroad, and after some time it maintains an extensive educa- industries with a need of highly became an attraction for out- tional system of high schools qualified labor. It is no wonder sourcing and offshoring activi- and universities. 55 universities that more and more high-tech ties of global Japanese, British cater for 250.000 students, of (continued on page 10)

6 Czech the News/Winter 2004 Business EU Enlargement Is Beneficial to U.S. Business News Brief n the whole, EU (continued from page 6) enlargement will bene- Ofit U.S. companies in November 22, 2004 Europe and U.S. exporters. Governor of Enlargement will bring more Baghdad visits consumers to the single Czech foreign min- European market, making it istry to discuss the world's largest single market plan to rebuild of 450 million consumers. Iraqi capital The Central European economies (in particular Czech Two months ago, the gov- Republic, Hungary, Poland, ernor of Baghdad narrowly Slovakia) hold enormous poten- escaped an assassination tial for manufacturers of con- sumer and engineering products attempt, as a roadside Photo courtesy of the Czech Tourist Authority Photo courtesy of the Czech Tourist bomb attack rocked his and service providers. Gradual Metro in Prague, Czech Republic increase of household incomes convoy, leaving two civil- and spending, easier access to ians dead. At the end of markets and easier movement of the EU is 4%. Therefore, U.S. will lower costs for business November, however, the goods across borders will be the exporters will see benefits in transactions and eliminate risk Iraqi governor was in main benefits. terms of lower tariffs. Also, tar- of exchange rates of national Prague to discuss plans -- As business destination, the iff differential that disadvan- currencies. The Czech Republic and possible work for Czech Republic has been taged U.S. firms in some cases will keep its tax and other Czech engineering and attracting many foreign firms will be phased out. Adapting investment incentives in place. construction firms -- for predominantly due to its geo- products to meet local standards The Czech investment incen- the reconstruction of the in small markets may be expen- tives package has been designed graphical central location in the historic city of Baghdad. enlarged single market, excel- sive. U.S. firms will now only in compliance with EU rules. In Governor al-Haidri is look- lent infrastructure and highly have to conform to one standard some countries (Hungary and ing forward to a stable, skilled labor. The new EU coun- and one certification for the Poland) tax breaks will be "truly sovereign, and dem- tries had to align their legislation entire EU market. The CR will phased out, as they are inconsis- ocratic" Iraq. The Czech fully with the EU legal and reg- accept products tested and certi- tent with EU rules. Benefits of Republic, which played a ulatory framework, making fied for the EU market without cheaper labor and EU market role in the war, is well-suit- them more transparent a less additional national requirements. access will outweigh lost fiscal ed to help play a role in the risky proposition for American Since the EU is a party to advantages. reconstruction effort, said business. international agreements under The EU will support infra- the Baghdad governor In short, EU enlargement will the WTO, the new member structure enhancement in the while visiting the Czech likely bring economies of scale states must align to EU commit- new member states. The Republic. and increased competitiveness ments under these agreements improvement in infrastructure to EU businesses as well as to such as GATS (General and administrative capacities Prague Olympics Agreement on Trade in will make Central Europe a bet- businesses in the accession would cost 130 bil- Services), GPA (government ter investment destination. The countries, which will be an lion crowns, would procurement), agreement on Czech Republic has been a lead- impetus to increased economic turn profit growth. information technology or civil ing country of the region in the aircrafts. The adherence to the respect of enforcing intellectual The overall cost of doing busi- Hosting the Summer WTO agreements to which the property rights. Even more rig- ness in accession countries will Olympic Games in the EU is a party improves environ- orous enforcement will be in fall as U.S. businesses will con- Czech Republic would cost ment also for third-country serv- effect after EU enlargement, due solidate their European opera- approximately 130 billion ice providers and exporters. to stringent regulation by the tions and simplify corporate crowns and it might turn The commitment to join the European Commission. The EU structures. Some of the regional into a profitable project. In ERM regime (Euroland, Euro enlargement will benefit both corporate headquarters will be the city of Prague, it would monetary regime) by the new the U.S. firms in Europe and the moved to Central Europe (hope- also solve a number of member states by 2008 - 2010 European firms, in having the fully to Prague or other Czech problems, improve the will bring twofold benefits for same level playing field on the cities). quality of infrastructure U.S. companies. First, meeting both sides of the Atlantic. The new EU states will adopt and such project would put the (Maastricht) fiscal criteria Finally, the economies of the EU Common External Tariff the country in a higher regarding budgets, debt, infla- Central Europe that have strived in its entirety. While the Czech league. Prague's leaders are tion, and long-term interest rates to emerge from transition mar- Republic maintained lower tar- considering a candidacy for results in necessary budgetary kets to the developed European iffs, on average, weighted indus- the summer Olympic games control that benefits the business single market will accomplish trial tariffs in accession states in either 2016 or 2020. environment for U.S. investors. this goal, set after the break of were higher than those in the (continued on page 8) EU. The average tariff level of Second, the adoption of Euro communism 15 years ago. Czech the News/Winter 2004 7 Culture Prazsky Vyber - News Brief Prague Selection (continued from page 7) he band Prazsky Vyber, Prague Selection, per- The cost estimates, ranging Tformed on November 11 at from 132 to 135 billion the Czech Embassy in remem- Czech crowns, are said to brance of the freedoms achieved be realistic and they during the Velvet Revolution. include the costs for stadi- The event was attended by ums, the Olympic and some local Ambassadors, stu- medal village, expendi- dents, and the community. tures for infrastructure and In the 1970's and 80's, young Photo courtesy of Ondrej Nemec Photo courtesy of Ondrej security. Czechs looked to rock music as Prazsky Vyber performing at the Czech Embassy in an escape from the reality of the Washington, DC on Nov. 11, 2004. November 24, 2004 society under the communist members of the group included used music as an outlet for the Czech politicians rule. The Communist regime drummer Jiri Hrubes and bass people during the stifling grip of discuss human rights saw Prazsky Vyber as a threat to guitarist Ondrej Soukup - who the communist hand over the violations at San the "official culture." Prazsky was later replaced by Vilem former Czechoslovakia. vyber, one of the best represen- Jose ICDC forum Cok. The group exhibits their tatives of the Czech New Wave talent and mastery over their The International Committee of the eighties, became an artis- instruments through their for Democracy in Cuba tic symbol of resistance against aggressive performance, using Future Events at the (ICDC), founded on initia- the establishment. vocal inspirations from punk Czech Embassy tive of former Czech pres- The band was formed in 1980 rock. The band creates a sophis- The embassy will be mailing out ident Vaclav Havel, has by jazz-rock musician, singer, ticated music structure which their program for the next season held an international forum and keyboardist Michael Kocab uses a broad scale of styles and in January. We will be posting in Costa Rica. The meeting and brilliant rock guitarist composing skills of individual the events on the website: resulted in signing of the so Michal Pavlicek. The other band members. Prazsky vyber www.mzv.cz/washington/culture called "San Jose Memorandum". Former MFA Financial Contribution for 2006 Latin American presidents, inancial assistance to seat, salaries of its employees advised to express your interest politicians, and activists organizations and societies and assistants, travel and as soon as possible as the dead- from Cuban human rights of Czechs abroad will be accommodation costs, etc. line for submitting the filled-in organisations gathered to F offered by The Ministry of More detailed information, applications to the Embassy is discuss the importance of Foreign Affairs of the Czech including the "Rules" and appli- March 31, 2005. Unfortunately, Latin America joining in Republic for the year 2006. cation forms, will be sent out to forms received after this dead- the promotion of human According to the rules, the sup- those who will contact the line will not be considered. No rights in Cuba. port will only be provided for Cultural Section of the Czech project will be accepted without specific projects planned for the Embassy in Washington, D.C. the Embassy´s (Consulate November 26, 2004 year 2006, for non-investment (located at 3900 Spring of General´s) statement. Please Chamber approves expenditures only. The contribu- Freedom St. NW, Washington, note that the successful appli- extension of Czech tion may not be used to cover the D.C. 20008, fax no. 202/966-8540, cants will receive the Ministry's mission in Kosovo overhead expenses of the organ- phone no. 202/274-9127, e-mail: contribution during the spring ization, the rent of its permanent [email protected]). Please be months of 2006. PRAGUE - The Chamber of Deputies approved to prolong the Czech military 2005 Czech Course in Dobruska mission operating within the KFOR forces in f you are interested in learn- tribute to the activities of these the applications to reach the Kosovo for 2005. As the ing the Czech language, societies, are eligible to apply Embassy will be the middle of Senate approved this Iplease be advised that a four- for the fully covered course. March 2005. extension at the beginning week course in Dobruska Therefore, recommendation of November, there are no (Czech Republic) will be organ- from at least one such society is For more information,contact obstacles to the further par- ized also in the summer of 2005. required. Please be advised that the Cultural Section of the ticipation of Czech soldiers Eligibility for the course, how- very few people are admitted to Czech Embassy in Washington, in Kosovo. ever, is limited. Please note that the courses as paid for by the D.C. (3900 Spring of Freedom only those who actively assist Czech government. Therefore, St. NW, Washington, D.C. Czech American organizations applicants should decide before 20008, fax no. 202.966.8540, and societies to preserve and submitting their final applica- phone no. 202.274.9127, promote Czech language and tions whether or not they would e-mail: [email protected]). culture, and whose language like to apply for the self-payers' skills will in the future con- course, as well. The deadline for 8 Czech the News/Winter 2004 Culture 2005 SVU Conference Update Business Buzz "Czech and Slovak Heritage on Both Sides of the Atlantic" North Miami, FL, October 29 17-20 March 2005 Northwestern University, spe- high level University officials, The CNB (Czech National e are pleased to cializing in the Czech Theatre, including the current and the Bank) raised its GDP inform our members and Dr. Ladislaus Bolchazy, a Past Rector of the University of growth forecast from 3.9% Wand other interested known Slovak-American pub- West in Pilsen, Doc. to 4.3% for this year and parties that the preparation for lisher and director of the Slovak- Ing. Josef Prusa (former Deputy from 3.8% to 5.2% for next the upcoming Conference and American International Foundation. Minister of Education of CR) year. It also expects slight- the associated Festival activities A separate session will be and Prof. Ing. Zdenek Vostracky, ly slower price inflation are proceeding extremely well. devoted to Czechs and Slovaks respectively; the Rector of the over the next year. The You will be pleased to hear that Abroad which will feature pre- University of South Bohemia in CNB left interest rates the President of the Czech sentations on "Albin Polasek Ceske Budejovice, Prof. Dr. unchanged, and analysts Republic has given the Museum and the Sculpture Vaclav Buzek, and Vice-Rector now say the CNB is not Conference his sponsorship and Garden in Winter Park, FL" and Prof. Dr. Vladimir Papousek; expected to raise rates we are now awaiting word from "Czech Music on Player Piano in and the Past Rector of the before the board is reshuf- Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic the US", by Don Martin of the Technical University of Ostrava, fled in February. who was also invited. Albin Polasek Foundation, and Prof. Ing. Vaclav Roubicek. The The general theme of the Prof. Michael A. Kukral of United States side will be repre- November 1 Conference "Czech and Slovak Rose-Hulman Institute of sented by Dr. John Dunn, Czech exports increased Heritage on Both Sides of the Technology, respectively. Other Provost of the University of y/y by 29.9% between May Atlantic" has attracted a lot of speakers will include Gail A. Southern Illinois in Carbondale (when the CR joined the interest among the Czech and Naughton, President/CEO of the and Dr. Jack Rechcigl, Director EU) and Sept. Imports for Slovak scholars here and National Czech & Slovak of the 's the period rose by 22.6%. abroad, as well as in the Czech Museum & Library in Cedar Gulf Coast Research and EU countries now account and Slovak communities in Rapids, IA, Dr. Laurence Cerny Education Center. Both for all but 18% of Czech America. We are expecting a from Cleveland, David Chroust Universities have strong collab- foreign trade. Meanwhile, strong contingent of visitors from Texas A&M University, orative links with the Czech uni- Czech consumers are from the Czech and Slovak Liza Alzo from Cornell versities, specifically with the expected to spend CZK Republics. A moment ago, I University and Vlado Simko of Technical University in Ostrava 223bn in the fourth quarter, received confirmation that from V.A. Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. and Czech University of up y/y by CZK 4bn (1.8%). the Palacky University in There will be a special session Agriculture in Prague. Dr. alone, at least three devoted to the important subject Rechcigl, who is building an November 2 representatives, Prof. Ivo of "Preserving Czech and Slovak entirely new state-of-the-art The Statistical Office Bartecek, Dean of the Heritage Abroad", featuring research facility in Balm found that 15,000 self- Philosophical Faculty, Prof. addresses by the two County, FL, in the amount of employed people turned in Milos Trapl, Director of the Ambassadors, H.E. Martin some $15 million, is in the their business licenses dur- Center for the Czechoslovak Palous and H.E. Rastislav Kacer, process of negotiating another ing the first three quarters Exile Studies and Dr. Karel representing the Czech and collaborative agreement of the year. There are now Konecny are coming. Slovak Republics in the US, between the University of 790,000 sole proprietors. In addition to the announced respectively. They will be fol- Florida and Agricultural The statistics bureau puts speakers, we also have commit- lowed by the major address of University in Nitra, Slovakia. the jobless rate at 8.2%. ment from Dr. Zdenek David, a Prof. Rudolph Vecoli, Director As you can see this is a great Senior Scholar at the Woodrow of the 's program. We are still interested November 4 Wilson International Center for immigration History Research in additional papers that would The real-estate rentals have Scholars and Dr. Slavomir Center, where the SVU deposit- fit our major theme. Those that dropped in price by an Michalek of the Slovak ed its archival material. In this are interested should immediate- average of 10% over the Academy of Sciences to active- connection SVU President will ly contact SVU President past year. The biggest drop ly participate and take part in announce the establishment of Mila Rechcigl via e-mail: has been in Prague, where the session entitled "Czech and the Czech and Slovak Studies [email protected] rent declines of 20% are Slovak Historical Traditions". Fund to assist the Czech and The 2005 SVU conference not uncommon. Three- Prof. Jan Vicar, a noted musicol- Slovak scholars and students to will also highlight the rich cul- room flats in old housing ogist and composer from work on Czech and Slovak doc- tural customs and traditions that projects are difficult to let. Palacky University and Prof. uments at the Center. the Czechs and Slovaks have New rules on home owner- Vladimir Papousek, an authority One of the unique events of brought to the USA. The pro- ship for EU members have on Czech-American literature the Conference will be a special grams will feature entertain- led to a rise in purchases by from the University of South discussion panel relating to ment, presentations, and demon- foreigners, especially Bohemia will participate in "Institutions of Higher Learning strations on a variety of subjects Slovaks. EU citizens are another session "Echoes from in the Czech Republic and their including the legendary pop now allowed to own the Old Country" Among other Collaboration with the US". In singer Waldemar Matuska, the homes if they have speakers in the same session are this connection we are expecting (continued on page 10) (continued on page 10) Lauren McConnell from participation by a number of Czech the News/Winter 2004 9 Culture New Honorary Business Buzz Consulate of the (continued from page 9) Czech Republic Opens in Detroit temporary residence in the CR. However, increased n the summer of 2004, a purchases by foreigners new Honorary Consulate of should not affect prices Ithe Czech Republic was much. opened in Northville (a suburb of Detroit), which covers the November 8 states of Michigan and Ohio. The CR posted a CZK 3.2 Dr. Tom Prose has been billion trade surplus in appointed the Honorary Consul September, compared to (more information can be found analysts' forecast of CZK 2 at www.generalmedicine.com/men u.htm)

billion surplus. Exports Photo courtesy of Phil Kasik rose y/y by 21 % and Ambassador Palous congratulates AFoCR President Phil Kasik (left) on imports by 19 %. The Hours of operation: completing his term as president of AFoCR as he receives an award Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. presented by Vice-president Mike Rokos at the annual AFoCR Board of deficit for the full year is Directors meeting. The new officers elected at the November 19 meeting expected to drop from Eastern Standard Time are: Mike Rokos, President (right); Peter Rafaeli, Vice-president and CZK 70 billion in 2003 to Treasurer; and Bob Doubek, Secretary. about CZK 50 billion. Address : Honorary Consulate of the 2005 SVU Conference Update (cont’d) Czech Republic November 9 Consumer prices rose y/y 590 Dubuar St., (continued from page 9) Novotny, Czech folk singer by 3.5% in October, the Northville, MI 48167 third Miss Czech & Slovak Jaromir Nohavica, and Slovak largest jump in two and a United States of America Florida Pageant, a kolace-mak cosmonaut Ivan Bella. half years. Leading the way ing demonstration, polka and This joint venture between were higher natural gas and Telephone : 1-734-453-0787 waltz lessons, a strudel-making the SVU and the ACSCC is a gasoline prices. Also, Fax: 1-734-455-9248 demonstration, an egg decorat- signature event for the region, unemployment fell from e-mail: [email protected] ing demonstration, a Czech state, and the rest of the country 10.1% to 9.9% in October, dumpling-making demonstra- as together we are establishing thanks in part to warm tion, and an accordion jamboree. an annual cultural festival. This weather. The jobless rate The conference is especially event not only preserves our his- under the EU's methodolo- significant because it is held in tory, traditions and artistic and gy was 8.9% in October. conjunction with the First scientific endeavors, but also it Annual Czech & Slovak provides a venue for others who Cash is going out of style. Outsourcing The use of bank cards for Heritage Festival on the historic are unaware of the contributions payment, and not just for from the CR Is grounds of the American Czech- of the Czechs and Slovaks to Slovak Cultural Club (ACSCC) withdrawing cash, has dou- No Threat to U.S. become knowledgeable in our bled in the past two years. in North Miami. The ACSCC contributions to the global society. Card use in stores is Jobs (cont’d) has played a major role in the Irrespective of whether you expected to rise this year attraction of Czechs and are a speaker or passive partici- by 9%, to CZK 85 billion. (continued from page 6) Slovaks to the area and in the pant, you are urged to register Cash withdrawals are operations are directed to a preservation of the culture right away in order that you can expected to rise by 1.4%, country in the very center of through the years. In its 56-year get your accommodation at our to CZK 350 billion. Europe with educated, skilled history, the ACSCC has been negotiated price. The reserved labor. host, especially in the last three rooms will go fast, considering It seems that thanks to the years, to the following personal- November 12 that this is a very busy tourist The number of people tak- well educated and mostly multi- ities: Helene Bain Cincebeaux season in Florida. Send your ing early retirement is on lingual population, the Czech with her folk dress and folk art, registration to Robert Petrik at the rise. Last year, almost Republic will be successful in Slovak singer Sisa Sklovska the following address: 5200 NW 20 000 people retired as attracting more and more from Prague, Dan Baldwin who 67th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33319. many as three years early, sophisticated industries and was President of the National We look forward to seeing with a reduced pension. building a new knowledge- Czech & Slovak Museum and you in large numbers in North This year, 21 000 took based economy with major mod- Library, Slovak film director Miami. Don't miss this great advantage of this in the ern industries as microelectron- Lubo Kocka, Czech-American event. Combine your trip with a first three quarters alone. ics, biotech, wireless communi- country and western singer family vacation. March is the (continued on page 11) cation. This would be impossi- Larry Morava, Slovak-Canadian nicest month of the year in Florida! ble without global economy and photographic artist Yuri Dojc, more outsourcing or offshoring Slovak singers Jozef and Dodo Mila Rechcigl by global companies. Ivasska, Czech comedian Petr SVU President 10 Czech the News/Winter 2004

Miscellaneous Growth has picked up, Reflecting Past Reforms Business Buzz (continued from page 5) Improving term unemployment. Tackling (continued from page 10) The legislation aims at the functioning the unemployment problem strengthening the role of credi- requires measures across a November 19 tors, speeding up proceedings of the labor wide front, but most notably The crown rose to a two- and allowing composition to market social benefit reform is needed year high against the euro play a bigger role. Likewise, along with reduction in the tax of just below CZK 31. efforts to streamline business Mobility between jobs and wedge as well as easing of Against the dollar, the registration are welcome and regions is low. Administrative EPL. A more open immigra- crown hit a record high of should be implemented as soon extensions of collective wage tion policy is needed to CZK 23.72. A survey of as possible. The general busi- agreements, strict employment address immediate issues such analysts found that all of ness climate is also damaged by protection legislation (EPL) on as the inconsistency between those polled expect the issues in network-industry com- individual dismissals, rent granting work permits as well crown to strengthen against petition, as some services, control, severe poverty traps as for better alignment of both currencies between notably internet, are rather (particularly for families) and immigrants' skills with those now and the end of| expensive in international com- a high tax wedge have con- needed on the Czech labor the year. parison. tributed to considerable long- market. November 22 The professional associa- Czech Authors are Available at Catbird Press tion for the textile industry predicts that up to 40,000 KAREL CAPEK - LIFE AND WORK, TALKS WITH T.G. MASARYK, DAYLIGHT IN NIGHTCLUB INFERNO: Czechs could lose their by Ivan Klima by Karel Capek Czech Fiction from the Post-Kundera [Klima] brings a novelist's perspective to Masaryk was the original Philosopher- Generation, ed. Elena Lappin, multiple jobs when EU quotas on the proceedings, allowing readers to appre- President of Czechoslovakia. A great work translators. "This important anthology … imports from China and ciate the depth and thematic complexity of in the art of biography. places some marvelous talent on display." - other countries are elimi- Capek's writing." - Library Journal Booklist nated as of the first of the THE POETRY OF JAROSLAV SEIFERT year. Some companies CROSS ROADS, by Karel Capek The largest collection in English from the WHAT OWNERSHIP'S ALL ABOUT, have already announced Two of Capek's early story collections, one Czech Nobel Prize-winning poet's entire by Karel Polacek appearing for the first time in English. career. A darkly humorous novel by the leading layoffs. Seventy percent of "Early in his career, Capek is obviously a Czech Jewish writer between the wars. the 120,000 people master in the making." - Booklist LOVERS & MURDERERS, by Vladimir employed in Czech textiles Paral These books are available at : are women. TALES FROM TWO POCKETS, An exhilarating ride through human Catbird Press by Karel Capek nature's cavern of horrors. "A dazzling 16 Windsor Road Capek's unique approaches to the mysteries mosaic." - Library Journal North Haven, CT 06473 November 29 of justice and truth are full of the ordinary tel.: 800-360-2391 Average rates for new and the extraordinary, humor and human- www. catbirdpress.com mortgages fell in October ism. "[They] stretch the detective story to THE FOUR SONYAS, by Vladimir Paral its limits and … tell us much about the In Paral's darkly comic world, people will to 4.8%, from above 5% in mysteries of human existence." - NY Times do almost anything to attain their dreams. September. CEO Alexis Juan of KB (Komercni APOCRYPHAL TALES, by Karel Capek CATAPULT, by Vladimir Paral banka) said banks are using Retellings of great events and figures of "A middle-European, existential account of mortgages as a way to win history, myth, and literature. "[These sto- the sexual revolution as seen from behind young clients who are ries] combine broad learning with sharp wit an irony curtain - very funny, erotic, and to make powerful moral statements." - disturbing." - Chicago Tribune unlikely to switch banks Publishers Weekly later.

CITY SISTER SILVER, by Jachym Topol WAR WITH THE NEWTS, Considered the most important Czech novel December 1 by Karel Capek of the 1990s, this modern epic captures the Average monthly wages One of the great satirical works of the 20th emotional dislocation that followed the century. "Its unshowy outrage, its humane Velvet Revolution of 1989. "A prodigal rose y/y by 7.3% in the ironies and its resolve to come to terms astonishment; an emancipation proclama- third quarter, to CZK with history remain as vital as its despair." tion." - John Leonard, Newsday 17,700. Average wages in - Times Literary Supplement the CR will not catch up FINGERS POINTING SOMEWHERE with the EU average for at TOWARD THE RADICAL CENTER: A ELSE, by Daniela Fischerova least 25-30 years. The Karel Capek Reader, ed. Peter Kussi, fore- Stories. "A taut, intelligent collection … word by Arthur Miller elegantly translated." - New York Times Economist Intelligence "It brings the voice of Capek back to life." Book Review Unit found that companies - The Nation are starting to look at LIVING PARALLEL, Romania and, more long- THREE NOVELS: Hordubal, Meteor, An by Alexandr Kliment term, at Ukraine because of Ordinary Life, by Karel Capek "Kliment honors the complexities of Approaches the problem of mutual under- Svoboda's dilemma with poetic delicacy. the rising wages in Central standing through various kinds of story- The language is gorgeous, often lanquid Europe. telling. "Capek's masterpiece." - Chicago and dreamlike, yet always vivid and origi- Tribune nal." - Prague Post Czech the News/Winter 2004 11