Czechs considering opening diplomatic office in Burma

Prague, July 19 (CTK) - The Czech diplomacy is considering opening in Burma a branch of its embassy in Thailand, Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg told journalists upon return from Burma Thursday.

The office will be seated in Yangon, Schwarzenberg said.

At present, there is not money for the renewal of a full-fledged embassy, he added.

The Czech diplomatic office in Burma was closed in the early 1990s.

The military junta, which governed the country from 1962, formally transferred power to a civilian government last March that started implementing democratic reforms. However, critics say military circles are still controlling the government.

Schwarzenberg said he had the impression President Thein Sein, whom he met, and other politicians were ready for changes.

"We have managed to establish good relations with the Burmese government which is evidently ready to embark on the path towards democracy," he added.

In the past days, Schwarzenberg met former political prisoners and student leaders during his stay in Burma.

He wanted to know how the Czech Republic could help them in their effort and support to democracy and observance of human rights in Burma.

On Tuesday, Schwarzenberg handed a dried yellow rose to Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Schwarzenberg unveiled the Czech Medevac programme under which ill Burmese children may have access to specialised surgeries and treatment in the Czech Republic.

The first three children were flown to Prague where they will undergo heart surgeries Thursday.