Events 2008

Public affairs officer Alexandra McKnight

Embassy Officials Discuss Missile Defense with 150 Students in Decin

January 28, 2008
 
During a recent outreach trip to Decin, public affairs officer Alexandra McKnight and Marine Sgt. Steven Pryor discussed the work of the U.S. Embassy in Prague with students from three local high schools and with local officials. 

The students were interested in the U.S. presidential elections and in Czech prospects for visa-free travel to the U.S., but the spirited two-hour discussion focused heavily on missile defense.  Students were curious about the threat presented by Iran or rogue states, how the system operates, and the degree to which NATO is involved in plans. 

They also wanted to know how ongoing Czech-U.S. negotiations are affected by the recent Polish elections and by Russian reaction to a central European missile defense site.  Mayor of Decin Vladislav Raska introduced the discussion and concluded with a thoughtful request that the students remember the Czech Republic's past as well as considering its future. 

The meeting was held in the beautiful town theater of Decin

The meeting was held in the beautiful town theater of Decin, and theater manager Petr Michalek accompanied Ms. McKnight and Sgt. Pryor on a tour of Decin's impressive castle afterward. 

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