OSCE Kosovo Mission Head urges local authorities and public to work closer

PRISTINA, 25 January 2007 - Ambassador Werner Wnendt, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, called on local authorities today to enhance transparency at the municipal level and provide timely information to the public on meetings and budget hearings.

"Only a well-informed public can actively participate in managing a municipality," said Ambassador Wnendt. "Municipalities must do more to improve communication with the public."

Participating in a radio debate, organized in Novoberde/Novo Brdo, Ambassador Wnendt said that municipalities will be able to offer adequate services to all communities only if they know about the needs of the local population and take into account their points of view. "Democracy has to be based on public participation and transparency," he added.

Ambassador Wnendt visited Novoberde/Novo Brdo today to take part in a handover ceremony of a generator to the multiethnic radio station Radio Youth Voice.

"We purchased this generator to ensure the sustainability of the radio station and ensure they do not have any more power cuts. Radio Youth Voice has set an example to people in other municipalities that it is possible to work and live together," said Ambassador Wnendt.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is the Organization's largest field operation. It works to strengthen Kosovo's democratic institutions. Last year, the Mission deployed teams in all 30 Kosovo municipalities to monitor the work of local authorities, offer expert advice on good governance and human rights issues and assist in implementing international standards.