Zeman and Schwarzenberg discuss foreign policy

Prague, Feb 8 (CTK) - Czech president-elect Milos Zeman and Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, TOP 09 chairman, discussed the filling of the post of ambassador to Russia and other foreign political issues Friday, the latter told journalists, adding that they will probably differ on Kosovo.

"We discussed foreign political issues and our future cooperation," Schwarzenberg, who lost to Zeman in the first direct presidential election in January, said.

He said he and Zeman will probably have no problems on European politics, but they are likely to differ in their opinions on Kosovo. Zeman spoke similarly.

Schwarzenberg unlike Zeman recognises Kosovo's independence.

Zeman added that they will probably also agree on Israel.

Schwarzenberg said he and Zeman also discussed possible engagement of the former and sole Czechoslovak (Czech) astronaut, Vladimir Remek, but he would not elaborate.

Asked whether Remek would make a good ambassador, Zeman said "Naturally, he would."

Schwarzenberg said he and Zeman also spoke about the future of ambassador to Australia Hynek Kmonicek who might cooperate with Zeman when he takes his oath in early March.

Asked whether Kmonicek will stay in his current post, Schwarzenberg said "It is not yet clear, but Kmonicek is an exceptionally talented diplomat."

Zeman said the decision on Kmonicek's future will only made by the Presidential Office head whom he will choose.

Schwarzenberg said the meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere. He said they also discussed the future of Petr Necas's (Cviic Democrats, ODS) centre-right coalition government.

Schwarzenberg said Zeman remains critical to the government and that expects to meet Zeman regularly.

Schwarzenberg was answering most questions evasively. He usually said "We also spoke about it."

Schwarzenberg spent more than two hours in Zeman's Prague office.

Zeman has had various meetings in Prague this week. The most important ones took place on Tuesday when he visited outgoing President Vaclav Klaus at Prague Castle and later in the day he received Prime Minister Petr Necas (Civic Democrats, ODS) in is office.