Czech Greens disagree with govt withdrawing coal mining amendment

The Greens want to talk to Prime Minister Jan Fischer and they threaten that the SZ-nominated ministers might leave the government, Bursik said.

Bursik said the withdrawal of the draft amendment that the previous coalition government of Mirek Topolanek approved allegedly unanimously was proposed by the Industry and Trade Ministry.

Bursik said the amendment was not submitted for comments and that the Environment Ministry was omitted from the decision making.

Environment Misntier Ladislav Miko also disagrees with the government move.

"I think it is strange to justify the withdrawal with the existence of the working draft energy concept that is only to undergo the strategic assessment of impact on the environment, public debate and discussion in the government in the months to come," Miko said in a press release.

Miko did not attend today's government meeting because he was in Brussels. His deputy Ales Kutak who represented him could not participate in the voting on the decision.

Human Rights and Minorities Minister Michael Kocab (for SZ) was the only government member who voted against the withdrawal, Kutak told CTK.

The draft amendment deals with a few problematic issues, such as write-offs of exclusive deposits reserves, it abolishes pre-emptive purchases of land in mining areas and makes it possible to withdraw the authorisation to extract an exclusive deposit.

The Greens try to prevent the lifting of coal mining limits in north Bohemia that would results in the elimination of several municipalities and further worsening of the environment.

Autor: ČTK
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