PRAGUE, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Senate passed a package of legislative changes that are needed for the country's joining the Schengen system on Thursday.

    The bill that simultaneously amends 14 laws was smoothly passed by the lower house a few weeks ago. Now it is to be assessed by President Vaclav Klaus.

    The laws that have been newly amended within the preparations for joining the Schengen Information System (SIS) include the laws on the police, customs, foreigners' stay and others.

    The SIS is a special information system that includes information on wanted persons, people with rejected entry to EU countries, stolen cars and arms, as well as stolen or lost personal documents.

    The fresh amendment made the Czech police responsible for the system's operation and empowered them to use the SIS information in criminal proceedings.

    The police are also empowered to verify business and diplomatic passports.

    All necessary legislative changes are to be completed by September.

    The Czech Republic is to join the Schengen system as of January1, 2008 when checks will be lifted all along its border which is the EU's inner border.

    The Schengen system will start to be tested on the Czech border as of September, Interior Minister Ivan Langer said.