The referendum is promoted by the leftist opposition, while the parties of the centre-right government of Mirek Topolanek oppose the idea.

The bill submitted by Social Democrat (CSSD) and Communist (KSCM) deputies was unlikely to win support from 120 deputies in the 200-seat lower house, needed for its passage, because the two parties hold only 98 mandates together.

The bill was supported by all opposition deputies present, three coalition deputies and independent ex-CSSD deputy Milos Melcak. The deputies for the junior coalition Greens abstained from the vote.

CSSD MP Zdenek Jicinsky, one of the bill's authors, admitted earlier that the bill would not be pushed through. He said it was drafted to open a discussion on the issue.

The coalition Civic Democrats (ODS) and Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) have accused the left parties of misusing the U.S. radar base and the referendum for populist gestures.

The Czech Republic and the USA have been negotiating on the possible stationing of a U.S. radar base on the Brdy military grounds southwest of Prague since the beginning of the year. The USA expects the Czechs to make the final decision next year.

Russia loudly protests against the U.S. plans to build missile defence bases in the Czech Republic and Poland. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates who visited Prague on Tuesday said the USA was willing to cooperate with Russia in the missile defence projects.

Breakdown of Czech Chamber of Deputies: