OSCE Presence strengthens ties with Albanian parliament

New members of Albania’s parliament took part in an orientation programme developed by the Assembly’s administration and the OSCE Presence in Albania, on 20 November 2013. The programme aimed to familiarize the new members of parliament with the functioning and structure of the Assembly, and to assist them in building a stronger co-operative relationship with the Assembly’s staff. 

Talking to all parliamentarians at an event hosted together with Assembly Speaker Ilir Meta later in the day, the Head of the OSCE Presence, Ambassador Florian Raunig, urged them to create a culture of dialogue and inclusiveness. “Finding consensus on fundamental issues is a prerequisite to overcoming the challenges. Your voters expect you to work together on issues impacting the future of the country,” Ambassador Raunig said.

The OSCE Presence in Albania is helping the Assembly increase its accountability and transparency. It is also supporting the Assembly in providing information to citizens and civil society on how parliament functions, as well as how to participate in the decision-making process.

Past activities of the OSCE Presence in support of the Albanian Assembly have included; revising its rules of procedure; outreach forums for MPs and committees; installation of a new IT network; expansion of the library premises and renovation of several committees’ working rooms; establishment of a media room; and facilitation of co-operation with parliamentarians from neighbouring countries.