Rather kiss Merkel than hug the Russian bear

In an opinion piece for the liberal daily Mladá fronta DNES Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek defends the Treaty of Lisbon against the harsh criticism of president Václav Klaus: "The EU and Nato have been an integral part of our foreign policy since the fall of communism. They serve as a buffer against Moscow's superpower ambitions. It is therefore far better if in reaction to Klaus's criticism of Lisbon I exchange kisses with the German Chancellor [Angela Merkel] rather than hugging the Russian bear. ...Will Lisbon harm the Czech Republic's national interests? Anyone who says 'yes' must take the second step after taking the first: In this case it would be appropriate to withdraw from the Union. It was clear when Klaus signed the application for EU membership that we would lose part of our sovereignty. In exchange we were given access to the single market, to a zone of freedom, security and prosperity. ... The question is not: Lisbon or nothing. The real choice is between Lisbon or Moscow."

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