Press Advisories
19. 11. 2014 22:35
Prime Minister Sobotka at unveiling of a bust of Havel at the US Congress
The unveiling ceremony was attended by a Czech delegation headed by Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, who was accompanied by Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Jan Hamáček, Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation Pavel Bělobrádek and Culture Minister Daniel Herman.
"I appreciate the civil courage exhibited by Havel and other signatories of Charter 77, which encompassed the most diverse currents of opinion, from the democratic left to the conservative right. Having had the dexterity to unite these streams, Václav Havel was able to figure as their credible mouthpiece," said Prime Minister Sobotka at the official unveiling.
Following the unveiling of the bust, the Czech delegation met Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner.
Discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations
VIDEO: Council on Foreign Relations
Later on in the morning, Prime Minister Sobotka took part in a discussion chaired by Peter Ackermann at the Council on Foreign Relations, a US non-governmental organisation.
The Prime Minister spoke about the 25th anniversary of November 1989 and Václav Havel and the contribution he made to democracy. Other matters high on the agenda included numerous foreign-policy topics, such as the Czech Republic’s good relations with the United States, the crisis in Ukraine, sanctions, human rights, and research and development.
Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka’s trip to the US is a symbolic expression of respect and honour for the legacy of President Václav Havel, human rights, and European and world democracy.
