SURVEY OF CZECH PRESS, 26-7-1993 by Jan Jarab

Daily newspapers surveyed: Cesky denik, Lidova demokracie, Lidove noviny, Mlada Fronta Dnes, Prace, Rude pravo, Svobodne slovo, Telgraf.

CESKY DENIK (right-wing) informs about new regulations concerning abortions, which will cost somewhat more than in the past; however, a novelization of the current liberal law will not be put forward, because Christian parties resigned on the idea due to lack of public support.

In an editorial concerning the problems of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, CD reminds that it was not the Slovaks fault that they received such "advantageous" borders in 1918, including many areas with predominantly Hungarian population: this, says CD, was the result of the diplomatic activities of the strong Czech lobby. Therefore the Czechs can hardly be considered an impartial force in the problem. However, it makes no sense - according to CD - to pretend that minority rights in southern Slovakia are O.K., when they quite obviously aren't.

LIDOVE NOVINY (liberal). In a sarcastic editorial, writer Ivan Klima comments on the Finance Ministry's decision to increase the tax on savings from 15 to 25 percent. Mr.Klima compares the measures to the early Communistic measures against "evil capitalists", and expresses doubts about the alleged right-wing liberalism of the Government's economic policy.

LN also informs about the traditional meeting of Czechs and Slovaks on Mt.Javorina on the Czecho-Slovak border; this place has been the site of similar demonstrations of friendship ever since the mid-19th century. The current meeting, the first which occurred after the split of the country, criticized the fact that the number of Czech and Slovak exchange students has been reduced to 80 on both sides (others can also study, but have to pay as foreigners).

MLADA FRONTA DNES (centrist). Headlines concern the summit of Czech, Austrian, German and Hungarian Presidents in Salzburg. The Presidents expressed their view that the crisis in former Yugoslavia can't be considered as a "failure of Europe", because "Europe as an institution doesn't exist". President Havel, however, called once again for action in Bosnia.

MFD also writes about a Prague restaurant which put a sign on its entrance denying entry to "Gypsies and beggars". The restaurant is in a Prague quarter where Gypsies (Romanies) allegedly represent more than 50% of the population. The proprietor, says MFD, could be sued.

TELEGRAF (conservative) informs that Economy Minister Vladimir Dlouhy has again qualified as the most popular politician in the country, with the support of 85% in the last opinion poll. Mr.Dlouhy is a member of the liberal-right-wing ODA party; he was, however, a member of the Communist Party until 1990.

SURVEY OF SLOVAK PRESS by ÇTK News Agency

BRATISLAVA, July 26 (ÇTK) - Members of the Movement for a

Democratic Slovakia (HZDS) lack political generosity, according

to the independent daily +Národní Obroda+, whereas its partner

the Slovak National Party (SNS) should adopt a more flexible

attitude towards the stronger HZDS. "They should be able to

judge problems arising from previous post-1989 governments and

mistakes made by today's government according to differing

criteria," the paper writes.

The same daily carries an interview with editor-in-chief of

the leading Hungarian daily +Népszabadság+, Pál Eötvös. He

claims Hungarian political parties have more problems than their

Western partners, and therefore the press there has an

enormously important role to play. "Hungarian parties are too

preoccupied with the struggle over the media," Eötvös says, and

cites the year-old dispute over the control of Hungarian

television and radio as an example. He adds with pride that,

like all independent newspapers, +Népszabadság+ is "on the wrong

side" of all parties.

+Smena+, assessing the progress of the coalition talks,

doubts whether "the marriage between the SNS and the HZDS is

totally sincere." The daily, which is close to the governing

HZDS, bases its doubts on the announcements made over the

weekend by the chairmen of the possible coalition parties. It

concludes that the idea of early elections is not realistic, and

therefore Slovakia is doomed to permanent frustration in its

political scene.

+Slovenský denník+ notes that current legislation makes the

adoption of Slovak children by foreigners easier than by local

applicants. The centrist daily emphasises that even in cases of

serious violation of the childs interests, there are no means by

which the decision on adoption can be reversed. The paper notes

that legislation in this area should serve the childrens's

interests, and not "to enable us to get rid of our children."

The trade union daily +Práca+ says that next Saturday's

party caucus of the Slovak National Party (SNS) will decide

whether čudovit Çernák will remain its chairman, and whether it

will continue in the coalition talks with the governing party.

The paper writes that following the merciless discrediting of

Çernák, the character of the "real party followers" will be

tested. As well, the question of a coalition government will

become clearer.