Czech President clashes with U.S. Ambassador over Russian military parade

PRAGUE. KAZINFORM - President Milos Zeman said he had "closed the door" of Prague Castle to Andrew Schapiro, the U.S. ambassador, following comments perceived as critical of the Czech's decision to attend a World War Two commemoration in Moscow.
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A presidential spokesman later clarified the remarks saying the ban would not extend to social events at the castle. European Union leaders are boycotting the ceremony in May over Russia's role in Ukraine conflict but Mr Zeman - who has frequently departed from the EU line - has said he would attend. "I can't imagine the Czech ambassador in Washington would give advice to the American president where to travel," Mr Zeman told news portal Parlamentni Listy. "I won't let any ambassador have a say about my foreign travels. "Ambassador Schapiro has the door to the castle closed." Earlier this week Mr Schapiro told Czech television earlier this week it would be "awkward" should Mr Zeman attend the ceremony as the only statesmen from an EU country. Mr Zeman, a former prime minister, has frequently departed from the common EU line on Ukraine and criticised sanctions against Moscow. The government, which is responsible for foreign policy, however, has held the EU line fully. The Czech presidency is largely a ceremonial role but Mr Zeman - who was the first president directly elected when he took office in 2013 - is outspoken on his views on both domestic and foreign policy, Kazinform has learnt from AKIpress News Agency .

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