OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje supports the production of a feasibility study for the Ministry of Local Self-Government

SKOPJE, 7 October 2010 - The Head of OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje Ambassador Jose Luis Herrero and Minister of Local Self-government Musa Xhaferi signed today a memorandum of understanding as a support to the local self government reform process.

The memorandum specifically defines the Mission's support to conducting a feasibility study for establishment of a training academy for local self-government staff.

"Since the start of the process of decentralization, the OSCE Mission has provided continuous training to the members of municipal councils, as well as to municipal administration. The Mission welcomes the initiative to explore the feasibility of establishing a central training institution as an instrument for continuous strengthening of the administrative capacities at local level," said the Head of OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Jose Luis Herrero.

Minister of Local Self-Government Musa Xhaferi added: "In line with the Action Plan for implementation of the decentralization program, the Ministry is preparing to conduct a feasibility study to assess the conditions of establishing a training academy for the local self-government units. We are grateful to the OSCE for the support of our efforts to continue the implementation of the local self-government reform, in line with the European practice and standards."

As part of the Mission's support, an international expert will be engaged. The international expert and the OSCE staff will join efforts to conduct a feasibility study with recommendations on the concept, timeframe, and legal action for establishment of the training academy.