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Czech president won't meet with US ambassador for his criticism of plans to visit Russia

The ambassador told the Czech television several days ago that Zeman’s presence at the V-Day celebrations in Moscow would discredit the West’s position on Ukraine

Czech President Milos Zeman AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Czech President Milos Zeman

© AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

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BRATISLAVA, April 5. /TASS/. Czech President Milos Zeman said on Sunday Prague Castle (the official residence and office of the Czech president) will be closed to US Ambassador Andre Schapiro who voiced critical remarks about Zeman’s plans to take part in V-Day celebrations in Moscow.

"Prague Castle’s door is closed to Ambassador Schapiro," the Czech leader told the parliamentary electronic publication parlamentnilisty.cz. "I cannot even imagine that a Czech ambassador in Washington could give advice to the U.S. president where he should or should not go. I will not have any ambassador to meddle with the programme of my foreign visit."

Schapiro told the Czech television several days ago that Zeman’s presence at the V-Day celebrations in Moscow would discredit the West’s position on Ukraine. The US diplomat said that participation of a European Union country leader in the Moscow celebration was a shortsighted decision.

The Czech president also spoke against the current attempts to isolate Russia. "It is necessary to maintain and develop relations with Russia, not only those base on trade, but also strategic partnership in rebuffing international terrorism," he said.

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Twenty six heads of state confirm participation in Victory Day celebrations in Moscow

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Czech Republic Victory Day World War II

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