The government of the Czech Republic has reached a tentative
agreement with religious leaders to return church properties confiscated
by the Communist regime, or provide compensation for property that was
seized and cannot be returned.
The proposed agreement would end a long-running dispute between the
Czech government and religious bodies, particularly the Catholic Church.
In return for the agreement to provide compensation for seized
properties, the government negotiated an end to state subsidies for
religious groups.
Church leaders have welcomed the deal, and now await the approval of legislation to carry out the agreement.