OSCE Mission calls for closer co-operation between oversight institutions and Assembly of Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 11 July 2012 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo calls for increased co-operation between independent oversight institutions and the Assembly of Kosovo in a report launched today on the status of their relations. At a conference in Prishtinë/Priština, the OSCE discussed its findings with the heads of independent institutions, senior representatives of the Assembly, members of civil society and international community representatives.

Independent institutions oversee the work of the executive and directly report to the Assembly. According to the report, close co-operation between these institutions and the Assembly is crucial for the oversight and regulatory bodies to implement their mandates. The report also says that adequate financing and strong political support for the work of independent institutions are the prerequisites for their proper functioning.

“The OSCE Mission would like to see improved co-operation between the Assembly of Kosovo and independent institutions that would result in greater support, leverage and independence in their functioning in relation to the executive structures,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Werner Almhofer.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human right protection and promotion and democracy and public safety sector development. Since 1999 the Mission has helped establish and develop a number of independent institutions, including the Kosovo Judicial Institute, Independent Media Commission, Ombudsperson Institution, Central Election Commission and Independent Oversight Board for Civil Service of Kosovo and now supports their work.

The full report is available at //www.osce.org/kosovo/92050?download=true