EU entry no visible milestone in Czech Republic's life - Klaus.

(From Czech News Agency)

PRAGUE, Jan 1 (CTK) - The year 2004 did not differ any much from the several previous years, both in the good and in the bad and the country's EU entry in May was no visible milestone from the point of view of citizens's life, President Vaclav Klaus said in his New Year's speech today.

"The ongoing changes, which are no small, have been proceeding continuously. That is why we often do not even perceive them, but we should be aware of them," Klaus said.

He said that certain events which happened in the Czech Republic last year are not gratifying. These include a ruder and more and more superficial public discussion as well as the growing number of attempts to personally discredit political opponents.

Klaus also mentioned wiretappings and the embarrassment accompanying the appointment of the Czech candidate for the post of European commissioner.

Klaus said that though the economy was solidly growing, this was insufficient for bringing the country within a foreseeable time close to the performance of west European countries.

Klaus criticised the fact that order has not been introduced into public finance despite promises politicians have made.