Velvet Revolution anniversary

Citizens across the Czech Republic have taken to the streets to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, which led to the downfall of the communist regime.

Thousands of people in the capital Prague plan to stage a reenactment of the peaceful student protest that took place on November 17, 1989 - in what was then Czechoslovakia - that sparked the Velvet Revolution.

Festivities - which kicked off with a concert on Saturday and were opened by former Czech President Vaclav Havel - include exhibitions, concerts, speeches and rallies.

In a video message, US President Obama said, "Your courage inspired the world"; while German Chancellor Angela Merkel also paid tribute to the demonstrators at Wenceslas Square in Prague.

Hundreds of people, along with former president Vaclav Havel, current president Vaclav Klaus and Prime Minister Jan Fischer, also laid flowers and lit candles at the Narodni Trida monument, where protestors had clashed with police.

vj/dpa/AP/AFP

Editor. Susan Houlton