OSCE Kosovo mission launches internship programme to support work of parliamentary groups

PRISTINA, 13 May 2005 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo today signed an "Internship Programme" agreement with the caucus leaders of the three main political parties and one citizens' initiative. The programme is part of the Assembly Support Initiative (ASI).

The initial project, in which two university students will be assigned to each parliamentary group, will begin on Monday, 16 May. The interns will change after the first six months.

"I believe the interns will come to better understand the functioning of the Assembly and they'll be able to take back this knowledge to fellow students and the university," said Ambassador Werner Wnendt, the Head of the OSCE Mission.

"The scheme could improve the democratic process for future generations because some of these students might decide to continue their political engagement. The OSCE also believes that this support will strengthen the work of the parliamentary groups."

Typical tasks for the interns will include drafting minutes from parliamentary group meetings and committees, preparing agendas and invitations, administrative and clerk support, researching specific political and legal issues, as well as preparing speaking points for the head of their respective parliamentary groups. The OSCE Mission and other ASI partners will provide them with the necessary training.

The OSCE-led ASI co-ordinates the work of 10 international actors in implementing support programmes to the Kosovo Assembly. It is vital to the further development of the Assembly's work.