Prague - The former Czech prime minister, Mr Vaclav Klaus, yesterday called for a political compromise to resolve a crisis in state TV, but said protesting journalists must end a newsroom occupation.
The journalists have been occupying TV studios for over a week calling for the resignation of the station's new boss, Mr Jiri Hodac, who they claim has political links with Mr Klaus's right-wing Civic Democratic Party (ODS).
Mr Klaus, speaking to leaders of the other four main political parties, called for the journalists to "stop the illegal occupation" of the newsroom, according to the CTK news agency.
At the same time he called for Mr Hodac to "freeze the personnel changes and re-examine decisions on the dismissal of several staff," CTK reported.
Mr Klaus's eight-point plan would seek a "politically guaranteed compromise" to ensure the resumption of normal services. He also called on all four party leaders to make a joint statement to the protesting journalists and to Mr Hodac.