OSCE Mission in Kosovo helps raise knowledge on constitutional issues

SKOPJE, 21 July 2006 - Constitutional issues are the focus of a two-day roundtable that began yesterday in Skopje. The meeting, organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, brings together experts and members of the Assembly of Kosovo as well as representatives of Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government for discussions on how different constitutional models ensure democratically functioning institutions and guarantee human and minority rights.

Addressing the opening session, Ambassador Werner Wnendt, Head of the OSCE Mission, underscored that the meeting was an educational exercise open to all communities.

"The OSCE is organizing this event as part of its ongoing support to the institutions, which aim at raising your skills, your professionalism and your knowledge," he said. "Based on good practices elsewhere in the world and on input from high-level experts, you will develop a good insight into the constitutional process."

Kole Berisha, President of the Assembly of Kosovo, added:

"We want a modern constitution, a constitution that releases positive energy of developments, enables a free market economy and a spirit of co-operation with neighbours in the interest of peace and stability in the region."

The meeting agenda includes a general introduction to constitutions and their role in a democratic environment, and how to decide on what to include in them. Participants will also have more detailed discussions covering topics related to the political system, including balancing powers between the branches of government, human and minority rights, electoral systems as well as provisions to enact and amend constitutions.

"I hope this meeting will clarify the need for an agreement between all communities on critical issues, such as human rights, the functioning of the judicial system and the leading role of the parliament," added Ambassador Wnendt.