OSCE Mission to Skopje promotes respect for rule of law

SKOPJE, 12 November 2007 - Promoting public awareness of rule of law in the country is the purpose of Rule of Law Week, which was launched today by the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

During the coming week, the Association of Units of Local Self-Government, the Chamber of Commerce and other actors will sign the Rule of Law Declaration, legal professionals will hold an assembly, law supporters will form a club, Interior Ministry officials will be trained and an art exhibition will be held.

"Promoting rule of law as a concept that is implemented and respected is one of the Mission's strategic objectives," said Ambassador Giorgio Radicati, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

"The Mission has helped strengthen the country's judiciary, state institutions and civil society, but to establish rule of law, society as a whole must understand the benefits of respecting it. The goal of this campaign is to enlighten the public on such benefits."

The campaign also aims to increase public trust in government institutions and increase the efficiency of the law enforcement agencies.