The Slovak Prime Minister, Mikulas Dzurinda, has said he's setting up a new political party because of the continuing power struggle inside his current grouping, the Slovak Democrat Coalition.

The party won the general elections in 1998, but its work in government has been hampered by disunity.

A BBC correspondent says the move contains big risks; some key ministers may join the new party, but most MPs are expected to desert the coalition in favour of their original parties.

Our correspondent says this may cost Mr Dzurinda the support of his erstwhile allies, and possibly endanger his position as prime minister.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service