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European Union leaders are boycotting the ceremony in May
over Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict but Zeman -- who has
frequently departed from the EU line -- has said he would
attend.
"I can’t imagine the Czech ambassador in Washington would give
advice to the American president where to travel," Zeman told
news portal Parlamentni Listy. "I won’t let any ambassador have
a say about my foreign travels."
"Ambassador (Andrew) Schapiro has the door to the castle
closed."
A presidential spokesman told local media that Schapiro could
still attend social events at Prague Castle, the official
residence of the Czech president.
Schapiro told Czech television earlier this week it would be
"awkward" should Zeman attend the ceremony as the only statesmen
from an EU country.
Zeman, a former prime minister, has frequently departed from the
common EU line on Ukraine and criticized sanctions against
Moscow. The government, which is responsible for foreign policy,
however, has held the EU line fully.
The Czech presidency is largely a ceremonial role but Zeman -
who was the first president directly elected when he took office
in 2013 - is outspoken on his views on both domestic and foreign
policy.
(Reporting by Michael Kahn,; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
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