Havel concern at checks on travellers

The Czech President, Vaclav Havel, has expressed concern about British immigration checks recently introduced at Prague's international airport.

A statement released by Mr Havel's spokesman yesterday said: "Although the President is aware of the reasons that prompted the British side to introduce this temporary, technical measure ... [Mr Havel] considers some of the circumstances that accompany its implementation disturbing."

The spokesman said the checks must be made with respect for human rights and the protection of personal data. "Should these principles be violated, the procedure would be no longer acceptable."

On 18 July, British immigration officers began checking all passengers travelling from Prague's Ruzyne International Airport to London in an effort to reduce the number of Czechs seeking asylum in Britain.

The measures, agreed by authorities on both sides, aimed to identify people with legitimate claims for asylum.Some 100 Czech citizens, most of them Roma, have been denied entry since the checks began. Roma leaders and some Czech politicians have condemned the airport selection, calling it discriminatory.(AP)