Czech PM says EU preferable to Russian influence

(PRAGUE) - The Czech Republic should ratify the European Union's Lisbon Treaty as it is preferable to falling under Moscow's influence again, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said in a commentary on Thursday.

"It is far better (...) to kiss the German chancellor than to hug the Russian bear," he wrote in the Dnes newspaper about his decision to back the ratification which he expects to take place early next year.

The treaty, approved by a vast majority of EU countries but rejected by Ireland in a June referendum, is aimed at streamlining EU decision-making after the 27-nation bloc's enlargement.

"We criticise many EU policies, but it is better to be inside than to stand outside. The benefits of being in this civilisation space exceed the costs," Topolanek said, while underlining he still had strong objections to the treaty.

Slightly over a month before the Czech Republic takes over EU presidency from France on January 1, Topolanek is at loggerheads with strongly eurosceptic President Vaclav Klaus, who has shown little sympathy for the treaty.

"Just like Vaclav Klaus did not withdraw his signature under the EU Association Treaty, although he had often criticised it, I too insist on the Lisbon Treaty," Topolanek wrote.

The Czech Constitutional Court is to decide on November 25 on the treaty's compliance with the Czech constitution.

"Of course, we may refuse (the treaty) on our own free will. But the choice is not Lisbon or nothing. The real choice is Lisbon or Moscow," he said.

"I believe that in a country which the last Russian intruder left in June 1991, which got rid of the pro-Moscow communist regime 19 years ago, which is free and relatively rich, most of us have an absolutely clear view on this issue," added Topolanek.