Ritschelova appointed head of Czech Statistical Office

Prague, July 27 (CTK) - President Vaclav Klaus appointed Iva Ritschelova, 46, Rector of J. E. Purkyne University in Usti nad Labem, north Bohemia, chairwoman of the Czech Statistical Office (CSU) at Prague Castle yesterday.

Her appointment was also attended by former prime minister and former CSU head Jan Fischer.

Klaus yesterday formally dismissed Fischer as CSU head since his post was only suspended when he became PM in May 2009. Nevertheless, Fischer then handed over the CSU management to his deputy head Jiri Krovak.

Ritschelova was selected for the post by Fischer's interim cabinet that was replaced by the centre-right coalition government of Petr Necas two weeks ago.

Fischer has won a competition for vice-president of the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). He will take over the post on September 1.

Ritschelova said during her appointment that she would like to follow up Fischer's work at the CSU's helm. The CSU became a "respectable, trustworthy institution" under Fischer's management, she added

She said she would also strive for a better cooperation of the CSU, politicians and experts.

"Statistical ground materials, no matter if they are of top quality, can never replace politicians' right and well-thought-out decisions," Ritschelova said.

According to the Usti university's website, Ritschelova deals with macroeconomic aspects of the environment protection, its funding, and environmental economy and policy.

She has participated in a number of study stays abroad and has been to the U.N. missions in Kosovo, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.