Some 200 people from all over the world, who are of Czech origin and
are in Prague to attend the "Week of Czechs Living Abroad", were
welcomed by Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and Foreign Minister
Alexandr Vondra on Tuesday. The Week of Czechs Living Abroad centres
around seminars and talks on relations between the Czech Republic and
people with Czech ties abroad. It was first held in 1998 and is
organised by the International Coordination Committee for Czechs
Abroad, in cooperation with the Senate, Foreign Ministry, and Charles
University and is held under the auspices of President Vaclav Klaus.
As part of the event, an award ceremony will take place on Friday to
honour women of Czech origin for their outstanding achievement in art,
science, sports, charity work, business, and public life. Among those
nominated for the prize are Madeleine Albright and Ivana Trump. On the
same day, a resolution will be made evaluating the Czech state's ties
to problems faced by Czechs abroad. Accompanying programmes include
exhibitions, film screenings, and a tour of the National Archives.