Zeman has offered to hold talks with Schuessel later this month, but only if all the border blockades had ended. The border protesters spent the night at three frontier posts between the two countries, following on from a series of demonstrations on Monday. The management of the Czech energy company, CEZ, has tried to allay fears about Temelin, even allowing journalists and environmental activists through its heavily guarded doors to inspect the site. On several occasions, thousands of environmentalists have converged on border crossings between Austria and the Czech republic. The plant has experienced several setbacks in recent weeks, including minor water leaks in faulty valves and steam generators.
All problems are normal and minor.
All projects have mishaps, that's why we are conducting the tests. When Temelin's two reactors are fully operational by 2002, the station will provide about 20 percent of the Czech Republic's power needs. The plant was originally conceived in 1980, and work began in 1983. Reuters contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved.