Klaus welcomes Zeman's triumph in presidential race

Prague, Jan 26 (CTK) - Truth and love defeated lie and hatred in the Czech presidential election, President Vaclav Klaus said after the victory of leftist Milos Zeman Saturday.

Klaus said he was proud of the Czech nation for not having succumbed to the media "anti-campaign."

Klaus said he had made no secret of his support to Zeman.

"I am proud of the Czech nation. I think it did not allow to be confused by an incredible media anti-campaign," Klaus said.

"At the very long last, truth and love have defeated lie and hatred," Klaus said, in a veiled reference to the battle-cry of his predecessor and bitter rival Vaclav Havel.

"I am extremely glad over it and this is a satisfaction for all those having good intentions with our country," Klaus said.

Klaus said he would of course meet his successor, but did not want to give any advice to him.

Klaus, now in Chile, said he had already congratulated Zeman on his victory.

Leftist candidate Zeman, a former Social Democrat prime minister, defeated conservative Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg in the second round of the first direct presidential election Saturday.