Interviewed in the Lidove Noviny newspaper, Czech President Vaclav Klaus has hinted that he will eventually sign the European Union's Lisbon Treaty.

The Czech Republic's parliament has already voted for the treaty but the euro-sceptic president is still refusing to sign it and is now the last obstacle to its implementation. In the newspaper interview, Mr Klaus admits that, despite his opposition, the treaty process is now probably unstoppable.

EU leaders have been putting pressure on Mr Klaus over the last few days. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said there will be consequences if his Czech counterpart continues in his refusal to ratify the treaty

Two weeks ago, the Irish electorate voted for the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum and, last week, Polish President Lech Kaczynski finally signed the document.

photo: Vaclav Klaus (Wikipedia)