Czech PM says EU role not hit by no-confidence vote

BRUSSELS, March 24 (Reuters) - A domestic no-confidence vote in the Czech government will have no immediate impact on its ability to continue in its role as president of the European Union, Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said on Tuesday.

"At the moment this situation has no effect on the role of the President of the European Council," Topolanek said in a statement issued by the EU Presidency, which the Czech Republic is due to hold until the end of June.

The statement came hours after a previous remark by Topolanek stating that the no-confidence vote would weaken the ability of the Czech Republic to lead negotiations among the 27-nation bloc on EU policy. (Reporting by Mark John; Editing by Louise Ireland)