Czech news in brief for October 15: Tuesday's top headlines

Prague's 28th Forum 2000 conference concludes today with speeches by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, and former Polish President Lech Walesa. Czech Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová will also address the event. The conference, "Demonstrating the Determination and Resilience of Democracy," focused on topics like Ukraine and fragile democracies. Founded in 1997 by Václav Havel, Forum 2000 aims to discuss global challenges.

The opposition ANO movement would win a general election with 33 percent of the vote, according to a September poll by the Median agency. The Civic Democrats (ODS) follow with 11.5 percent, and Mayors and Independents (STAN) with 11 percent. The Pirates and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) would also enter parliament. However, parties like TOP 09, the Communists, and Social Democrats would fail to secure seats.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský denied claims that Czechia delayed an EU statement condemning attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL). German media had reported that the delay was due to Czechia's close relations with Israel. Lipavský cited poor drafting of the initial text. The EU statement, released Sunday, condemned Israeli attacks on UNIFIL and called for an immediate end to such violations of international law.

Prague will donate two older rescue vehicles and four defibrillators worth CZK 439,000 to the Bosnian towns of Jablanica and Konjic, severely impacted by recent floods. The Czech Republic will also provide one million crowns in humanitarian aid, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced. Heavy rains caused floods and landslides on Oct. 4, leaving over 20 dead and causing widespread damage.

Over 4,500 visitors saw the alleged sword of Jan Žižka at Prague’s Bethlehem Chapel during a four-day exhibit marking the 600th anniversary of the Czech warriors’s death. Loaned from Sweden, the sword drew significant interest, though experts question its authenticity. The Czechoslovak Hussite Church plans to request further expertise on the artifact. The exhibit also featured objects from Žižka’s life and related cultural events.