OSCE launches cantonal administration project in Sarajevo

SARAJEVO, 22 July 2002 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sarajevo Canton, covering the introduction of a governance reform scheme, known as the Canton Administration Project (CAP).

The CAP is designed to increase the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of canton governance by providing high-level technical assistance to executive, legislative and administrative structures alike.

Posavina, Zenica-Doboj, Central Bosnia and Tuzla cantons already have CAP projects in place. Sarajevo thus becomes the fifth Canton in BiH to join the Canton Administration Project.

The Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Ambassador Robert M. Beecroft. said: "The Mission is pleased to support pro-active canton governments in their efforts to reform. The Canton Administration Project is key to the OSCE's efforts to promote good governance and public sector reforms in order to benefit to the citizens of this and other Cantons."

The CAP project in Sarajevo Canton will be inaugurated with the launch of human resource management activities. Other project areas that the Canton will benefit from include organizational development, technical support to the Canton Assembly and financial management advice.