Kosovo redoubles anti-corruption efforts - OSCE and UNDP provide support
(OSCE)Encouraging the public to report corruption cases to Kosovo's Anti-Corruption Agency is one of the main messages of a public information campaign supported by the OSCE Mission and the UNDP Office and launched on 3 September 2007. (OSCE) Photo details
PRISTINA, 3 September 2007 - The Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo launched today the second phase of a public information campaign to stamp out corruption in the public sector.
The new initiative aims to further encourage the public to report alleged corrupt practices in the public sector.
The Agency has received some five to seven calls a day at its toll free number since the original campaign began in December 2006, said Hasan Preteni, Director of the Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency.
Calls from the public have led to the initiation of 80 administrative investigations by the Agency and their referral to the Office of Public Prosecutor for criminal proceedings.
"This is just the beginning," said Preteni. "We strongly encourage the public to closely co-operate with the Agency, provide information and support our efforts to eradicate corruption. Wide public support in this process is crucial."
Markku Laamanen, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, said that independent institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Agency were crucial in keeping governmental and public institutions to account.
"The OSCE Mission supports the work and the development of the Anti-Corruption Agency, which we hope should help put corrupt politicians and public servants out of the game," he said.
Frode Mauring, UNDP Kosovo Resident Representative, added:
"Corruption undermines a healthy society and development. Therefore the fight against corruption is at the cornerstone in building democratic governance. We are supporting the Government, the Agency, media and civil society by empowering and training them to fight corruption."
He also said that UNDP can not build a corruption free Kosovo, however UNDP can support Kosovans to built it themselves.
The new campaign, focusing on the message, "Corruption ends with you - Report corruption cases - Initiate the next investigation", includes three weeks of TV advertising and leaflets distribution, as well as the creation of mobile information booths throughout Kosovo.
The campaign also includes a competition for the best corruption-related investigative journalism conducted under the auspices of the Association of Professional Journalists of Kosovo.
The new initiative aims to further encourage the public to report alleged corrupt practices in the public sector.
The Agency has received some five to seven calls a day at its toll free number since the original campaign began in December 2006, said Hasan Preteni, Director of the Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency.
Calls from the public have led to the initiation of 80 administrative investigations by the Agency and their referral to the Office of Public Prosecutor for criminal proceedings.
"This is just the beginning," said Preteni. "We strongly encourage the public to closely co-operate with the Agency, provide information and support our efforts to eradicate corruption. Wide public support in this process is crucial."
Markku Laamanen, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, said that independent institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Agency were crucial in keeping governmental and public institutions to account.
"The OSCE Mission supports the work and the development of the Anti-Corruption Agency, which we hope should help put corrupt politicians and public servants out of the game," he said.
Frode Mauring, UNDP Kosovo Resident Representative, added:
"Corruption undermines a healthy society and development. Therefore the fight against corruption is at the cornerstone in building democratic governance. We are supporting the Government, the Agency, media and civil society by empowering and training them to fight corruption."
He also said that UNDP can not build a corruption free Kosovo, however UNDP can support Kosovans to built it themselves.
The new campaign, focusing on the message, "Corruption ends with you - Report corruption cases - Initiate the next investigation", includes three weeks of TV advertising and leaflets distribution, as well as the creation of mobile information booths throughout Kosovo.
The campaign also includes a competition for the best corruption-related investigative journalism conducted under the auspices of the Association of Professional Journalists of Kosovo.