Oxford University paid its own special tribute to one of Europe's great champions of democracy yesterday.

Czech President Vaclav Havel received a Degree by Diploma from Oxford University Chancellor, Lord Jenkins of Hillhead.

The playwright, who played a major part in ending Communist rule, clearly enjoyed the colourful ceremony staged in his honour at Convocation House.

Lord Jenkins recalled the President's years of house arrest and imprisonment. "You are honoured as a true friend of our country," said the Chancellor.

He said: "Amid violence, injustice, and imprisonment, you kindled the hope of better times for your people." The President was accompanied by his wife Dagmar Havlova. They were met at the Clarendon Building, Broad Street, by the Lord Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, Sir Hugo Brunner, and the chairman of Oxfordshire County Council, Brian Hook.

After being conferred with his degree, the President called on politicians to be less obsessed with their images in the media.

"I am not sure whether the present era of mass media encourages the emergence and the growth of politicians of the stature of a Winston Churchill," he said.

In recent years, the University has conferred Degrees by Diploma on President Nelson Mandela and President Bill Clinton.

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