Soviet tanks remained in Czechoslovakia until 1991

Relatives of those killed would receive up to 150,000 crowns (�3,470; 5,000 euros) and those injured or raped up to 30,000 crowns (�694; 1,000 euros).

The bill, which has been passed by the Czech lower house, now requires senate approval to become law.

The 1968 invasion put an abrupt halt to the "Prague Spring" liberal reforms.

The movement had been launched by Czech Communist leader Alexander Dubcek - who after the intervention was replaced by a hardliner.

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Moscow feared liberalisation in Czechoslovakia would lead to similar movements in other eastern bloc countries.

About 30 Soviet divisions backed up by troops from the Warsaw Pact entered the country on 21 August 1968 and remained there until 1991.

Under the bill introduced by the opposition Civic Democrats, the Czech Republic could compensate victims of the crackdown.

The level of compensation was reduced from the original proposal, as a result of pressure from the governing Social Democrats and the Communists.

The average monthly salary in the country is 17,300 crowns (�400).

The invasion killed 72 people and injured 266 others, according to the Civic Democrats.