LOW-KEY CZECH REACTION TO NEW DETAINEE INITIATIVE

UNCLAS PRAGUE 001093 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM EZ SUBJECT: LOW-KEY CZECH REACTION TO NEW DETAINEE INITIATIVE REF: STATE 146996 ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador briefed Czech PM Topolanek September 7 on the new USG initiative related to detainees in the war on terrorism (reftel). Topolonek had no substantive reaction but asked for additional details (we are providing his office with transcripts and tailored points). Separately, visiting EUR DAS Mark Pekala discussed the initiative with Deputy FM Tomas Pojar (other subjects reported septel). Pojar, after expressing overall support with USG efforts in the GWOT, also asked for additional information, but predicted that the new initiative would not become a significant news story in the Czech Republic. ¶2. (U) Czech press carried news of the President's speech on September 7, but the story did not receive extensive coverage on September 8. In our discussion with journalists on background on September 7, they shared their perspective but indicated that media would focus primarily on whether Czech authorities had played any role in the earlier detainee programs. Embassy has posted all relevant speeches and interviews on its website. CABANISS