Czech and global events from the first quarter of 2009.

* 1. 1. The Czech Republic and Slovakia

The Czech Republic becomes the second post-communist state (after Slovenia) to become the EU President. The Czech presidency begins dramatically when a government spokesperson, Jiri Frantisek Potuznik, describes Israel's actions in Gaza as defensive. While this unofficial declaration creates sensation around the world, the Israeli government expresses appreciation of the Czech's position.

* 1. 1. Slovakia

Slovakia becomes the sixteenth member of the European Monetary Union. The Czech government remains undecided over their own date of acceptance and transition to the Euro.

* 1. 1. Italy

Italy assumes the G8 presidency. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's goals are to expand the elite club's membership to include thirteen or fourteen more states, including the evolving economies of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and Egypt. In the case of expansion, the G13 or G14 would produce 80% of the world's economy.

* 1. 1. Costa Rica

The United States-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) officially enters into force in Costa Rica.

* 8. 1. Czech Republic

An unofficial meeting between foreign ministers of EU countries takes place in Prague. The meeting provides the foreign ministers with the opportunity to voice concerns over ongoing or upcoming issues.

* 10.-11. 1. Brussels, Belgium

David Cerny's installation at the European Council building causes uproar and controversy. Cerny was commissioned to create an art installation which would depict the Czech's EU presidency. The controversy stems in part from Cerny's stereotypical depiction of the individual EU countries, as well from falsly asserting that 27 artists from each member-state contributed to the installation.

* 11. 1. Ukraine and Russia

The Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek establishes an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to resolve disputes relating to the supply of Russian gas to Europe at a time when Slovakia and Bulgaria are realistically threatened by a blackout. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev responds by saying that the agreement is null and void.

* 14. 1. Russia

The Slovakian and Bulgarian Prime Ministers, Robert Fico and Sergei Stanishev, accept an invitation from the Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, to visit Moscow and discuss gas exports. Russia reveals that it is willing to use energy policy to promote their position in their former sphere of influence. Last year, Slovakian PM Fico expressed that he understood Russian fears over the US plans for a radar base in the CR. Russia's decision to cut off gas supplies comes at a time when the Czech presidency has made the Eastern Partnership one if its goals. The partnership seeks to reinforce the EU's relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

* 15.-16. 1. The Czech Republic

An unofficial meeting between the EU's ministers of justice and the Interior takes place in Prague. The ministers discuss cooperation between the member states in regards to mutually recognizing judicial decisions.

* 15. 1. Israel and Palestine

The Israeli military launches its third phase of operations against Gaza in what has been a twenty day offensive. Ground troops enter the center of Gaza, one of the most densly inhabited areas of the world. Thousands of Palestinians leave their homes. The Leftist regimes in Bolivia and Venezuela sever their diplomatic relations with Israel.

* 15. 1. The Czech Republic

The world famous Czech architect, Jan Kaplicky, dies suddenly in Prague. Kaplicky was the architect behind the National Library project which drew controversy due to the octopus-like shape of the building.

* 18. 1. El Salvador

Municipal elections in El Salvador produce a victory for the former leftist guerrillas--the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN)--over the governing right-wing Nationalist Republican Party (ARENA).

* 20. 1. The United States

Democrat Barack Obama is inaugurated as the 44th US president. To many Americans, Obama's presidency represents a change in course from the direction that George W. Bush had led the United States down.

* 22. 1. The United States

Two days after his inauguration, President Obama signs an executive order to close the Gauntanamo Bay prison within the course of the year.

* 23. 1. Spain

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the unemployment rate rose to 13.9 percent. This is the highest rate in the Eurozone.

* 24. 1. Italy

Pope Benedict XVI rescinds the excommunication of Holocaust-denying Bishop Richard Williamson among three other ultra-conservative Bishops belonging to the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX). The decision sparks controversy as news of Bishop Williamson's stated denial is revealed.

* 25. 1. Bolivia

Bolivia approves the passage of a new constitution via a countrywide referendum. The new constitution strengthens state authority as well as the position of the country's indigenous majority. It also introduces land reform and gets rid of the one term restriction on the presidency. Bolivian President Evo Morales, the first indigenous head of state, will now be able to seek reelection in December.

* 26. 1. Iceland

Hit hard by the economic crisis, the political administration of Iceland breaks down with Prime Minister Haarde's announcment of the government's resignation. Iceland's economy is set to shrink by 9.6 percent in 2009.

* 28. 1.-1. 2. Switzerland

The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland begins. Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, gives the opening speech. Putin and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao criticize the United States for leading the world into economic recession.

* 30. 1. North and South Korea

The North Korean government lashes out against South Korea, which has recently taken a harder line towards the communist state north of them. North Korean government officials cancel all military and political agreements with South Korea.

* 31. 1. Ivory Coast

The UN peacekeeping mission, which was supposed to stabilize and secure the situation in this West African country expires. In 2002, the country erupted in armed conflict and became divided between government forces and rebels.

* 31. 1. Great Britain and China

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao arrives in Great Britain for a week-long visit to discuss the global economic crisis and renew relations and cooperation.

* 1. 2. Russia

President Dmitry Medvedev presents the annual report on the status of the Russian Federation.

* 2. 2. African Union

The Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, is elected as the new head of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He aims to strengthen the 53-nation bloc, create full political and economic integration, and establish a single union government. In short, he wants to create a United States of Africa.

* 3. 2. Iran

Iran launches its first domestically made satellite in space. While Iran states that the satellite's purpose is purely peaceful, the United States and Europe express concern over the potential link between satellite and ballistic missile development.

* 9. 2. Italy

The woman behind the controversial right-to-die case, Eluana Englaro, dies in a private clinic. Ms. Englaro's father had been fighting for the right to take Ms. Englaro off the feeding tube since an accident left her in a comotose state in 1992. Her situation sparked recent controversy when Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi introduced an emergency decree which would illegalize the removal of the feeding tube.

* 10. 2. Pakistan

After a meeting between US envoy Richard Holbrooke and senior members of the Pakistani government, Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani issues a statement towards reconciling relations with the US and establishing a relationship based on "trust, cohesion and understanding."

* 10. 2. Israel

Early parliamentary elections take place. The conservative Likud party led by Benjamin Netanyahu and the centrist Kadima party led by Tzipi Livni find themselves in political gridlock as neither party wins a majority of the parliamentary seats.

* 10. 2. Iran

Celebrations for the thirtieth anniversary of the Islamic Revolution take place over the course of ten days. The celebration commemorates Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's return after fifteen years of exile. On this same day, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says that he would like to open a dialogue with the United States as long as it was based on "mutual respect."

* 1. 2. Sudan

The International Criminal Court issues a warrant for the arrest of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who has been criticized for inciting war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The conflict in Darfur has led to 300,000 deaths from murder, starvation and disease.

* 11. 2. United States

After potracted discussions, the House of Representatives and Senate agree on a $789 billion economic stimulus package. Democrats and Republicans remain divided over the effectiveness of the bill to lift the US out of economic recession.

* 17. 2. Kosovo

Kosovo commemorates the one year anniversary of its declaration of independence from Serbia. Kosovo's independence has been recognized by more than fifty sovereign states, including the Czech Republic.

* 19. 2. European Union

Vaclav Klaus, the Czech President, gives a speech in the European Union Parliament.

* 8. 3. North Korea

The first elections in six years will take place in North Korea's parliament. Despite recent dismissals from the cabinet, analysts predict that the election will merely reflect a formality.

* 10. 3. Russia

A Summit takes place between Russia and the European Union's so-called "Troika" states.