Czechs on track for EU membership says Blair

The Czech Republic is on track to join the European Union, Prime Minister Tony Blair said today during a brief visit to Prague aimed at strengthening prospects for European integration.

‘‘We don’t see any obstacle for the Czech Republic to become full member of the Union,’’ Mr Blair said after meeting with his Czech counterpart, Milos Zeman.

He dismissed fears that the so-called Benes Decrees, under which three million ethnic Germans were expelled from Czechoslovakia after the Second World War, could prevent Czechs from joining the EU.

‘‘It is an issue from the past and it certainly should not affect in any way the process of European Union enlargement,’’ Mr Blair said.

German as well as Austrian leaders recently have called for the nullification of the decrees, arguing that they are incompatible with EU legislation.

The Czechs have refused to nullify the decrees, fearing such a move could strengthen restitution claims by those expelled and their heirs once the Czech Republic joins the EU.

The country hopes to join in 2004 together with other formerly communist countries, including Poland and Hungary.

Premier Zeman said he and Blair also discussed the Czech government’s planned purchase of 24 British-Swedish JAS Gripen fighter jets. The Czech Parliament has yet to approve the deal.

Touching on the situation in the Middle East, Mr Blair said: ‘‘I understand entirely why Israel feels so very strongly about taking action against those committing terrorist attacks,’’ but added: ‘‘now innocent people die also on the Palestinian side.’’

Mr Blair, who stopped in Prague en route to London from a meeting with President George Bush in Texas, also met with Czech veterans who fought in the RAF during the Second World War.