Czech local leaders organize in protest to plans for US radar base

Local leaders opposing the construction of a US missile defense radar base met Friday to prepare for a showdown with the Czech government, officials said. The informal alliance comprises 31 cities and villages near a former Soviet base about 85 kilometers (53 miles) southwest of Prague. "We intend to meet again next week ... and draft our demands for the session of the government," Josef Rihak, the mayor of Pribram, said. According to government spokeswoman Jana Bartosova, the members of the Cabinet plan to travel to the area on Sept. 5 for a working session and a meeting with the protesting officials.