OSCE Mission supports implementation of decentralization reform

SKOPJE, 13 October 2005 - The efficiency of decentralization reform in education was the focus of a meeting in Veles, jointly supported by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, the Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSIM) and the Association of Municipalities (ZELS).

Participants included the mayors and councilors from 11 central and eastern municipalities of the country and representatives from the Ministry of Education.

This event, organized by the Non-governmental organization (NGO) Support Centre, is one in a series of country-wide discussions for local elected officials, aimed at increasing their knowledge about decentralization processes.

"The OSCE Mission is supporting the successful implementation of decentralization reform, which is one of the country's key priorities," said Dr. Philipp Stiel, Head of the Public Administration Reform Unit of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje.

"We are pleased to see effective co-operation among municipalities, national institutions and civil society organizations in the promotion of decentralization."

The OSCE Mission supported the publication of the recent ZELS 'Handbook for Local Elected Officials', which was distributed at the meeting.

The Mayor of Veles Municipality, Ace Kocevski, said, "Participants are identifying and discussing the decentralization topics which are the most relevant for their respective areas. Veles councilors believe that the efficiency of decentralization in education is a key issue during the autumn."

Dr. Tale Geramitcioski, Deputy Minister of Education, also contributed to the dynamic discussion in Veles.