|
Challenges Facing Kosovo's Judiciary Identified by Judges and Lawyers
A summary analysis of 10 issues that need to be addressed for a strong judiciary in Kosovo was published in December. The brochure, summarizing problems raised by over 250 judges and attorneys in a series of roundtable discussions throughout Kosovo between December 2005 and June 2007, was published by the Increased Capacity of Legal Professionals project, supported by USAID/Kosovo and implemented by the American Bar Association/Rule of Law Initiative (ABA/ROLI). The summary reflects discussions among representatives of the Kosovo Judges Association and the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates.
The brochure will help the associations, Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) and other stakeholders in the justice sector as well as the public understand the challenges that face judges and lawyers, and aims to encourage solving the problems. The issues range from staff shortage in the courts to accountability of judges and lawyers.
Top of page
A Better School for the New Year
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" were the lyrics of a song performed by the students of Balaj on December 18. The students were celebrating the inauguration of a renovated school in the community, recently completed with the support of USAID.
"Today we are happy for the investment made in this village. However, your job continues as you are to maintain the school so the municipality can invest in other needs for the residents of our municipality," said Faik Grainca, mayor of Ferizaj/Urosevac. Mr. Grainca joined Dr. Michael Farbman, USAID/Kosovo Mission Director, in unveiling a plaque commemorating the project.
"The school rehabilitation project was a joint effort of Balaj community, Ferizaj/Urosevac municipality, and USAID's Municipal Integration and Support Initiative (MISI). The project included a rehabilitation of existing facilities and the construction of a new, second floor on the school. The total cost of the project was $162,879, of which USAID contributed $36,316, The Municipality $115,387, and the community $11,174.
MISI is implemented in partnership with Mercy Corps.
Top of page
From Kosovo People to American People - Thank You
From Kosovo people to American people, thank you," were the closing remarks of Agim Ceku, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, in his address at the USAIDUSAID Participant Training Program annual Awards Ceremony.
The event, held on December 7, honored 121 Kosovars who have completed USAID-funded training programs in the United States, Europe or Kosovo during the past year as part of the Participant Training Program (PTP). Mr. Ceku was joined on stage by Tina Kaidanow, US Chief of Mission, and Michael Farbman, USAID Mission Director.
The PTP program is designed to provide targeted, short-term training and study tours that supplement USAID's strategic objectives. Kosovars honored this year had participated in study tours and workshops in a wide array of technical fields, including judicial reform, business development, budgetary policy, health, and others. To date, some 450 Kosovars have participated in the Participant Training Program.
Top of page
|
