Organized by the Ministry of Local Government Administration, for the 3rd time started its works International Conference for Local Self-Governance “Strengthening of Local governance thru promotion of European values”. September 14, 2012, Pristine
In this conference attended Mr. Hashim Thaçi, Prime minister of the Republic of Kosovo,Mr. Nevzat Bejta, Minister of the Local Government, Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Boris Milosevic, Deputy Minister of the Administration, Republic of Croatia, Mr. Ferdinand Pone, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Republic of Albania, Mr. Mustafa B. Demirer, Vice Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Republic of Turkey, Mr. Samuel Zhbogar, EU Representative in Kosovo, Mrs. Tracey Ann Jacobson, USA Ambassador in the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifeta Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo, as well ambassadors, ministers, Deputies of the Kosovo Assembly, representatives from Donor Organization, Municipal Mayors and representatives from civil society.
By welcoming, during his opening speech Deputy Prime minister of Kosovo once Minister of Local Government Administration and the host of this conference, Mr. Slobodan Petrovic thanked the participants for the participation and contribution and wished successes during Conference works.
“We consider that the process of modernisation of local self-governance it is continuous in all its pores and includes one adequate election system, sufficient competences and with sustainable financial resources, professional administration and with the usage of advanced technology. Another way of achieving these is by sharing our experiences with each other. Thus this conference is an ideal place to learn from each other. Let`s use this opportunity together” stated Deputy Prime minister Petrovic.
Minister Petrovic called for cooperation with citizens, with Kosovo institutions, in order that all of this to go into the families
Also Prime Minister Mr. Hashim Thaçi congratulated the works of this conference, by stating that integral part of the state-building project and the vision of multiethnic Kosovo was the success of decentralisation who achieved its goal for participation of the citizens in decision making that is fundamental element of the democracy.
“However, also in this process we all are aware that we have other challenges. Thus establishment of North Mitrovica Municipality, but I believe that this municipality will be established soon and always having the successes of integration of the community particularly Serb community in south, but also overall communities. Another challenge that we have to address in the near future is communication of Kosovo Institutions with the community in north. Thus Government of the Republic of Kosovo in May this year has opened Administrative Office in north Mitrovica” Stated Prime minister Thaqi
While Mr. Samuel Zbogar, EU representative in Kosovo, stated that he will continue to support further European perspective of Kosovo, by adding that good governance here is main notion. Mr. Zhbogar asked that local governments to be stronger, in order to provide good services to all citizens.
In the conference, USA ambassador Tracy Jackobson gave her support to the local governance, she stated that citizens have to be involved more and to hear their voice.
Also in their speeches they congratulated the works of the conference, representatives from Albania, Macedonia, Croatia, Turkey and the Association of the Kosovo Municipalities, Prishtina Municipal Mayor Mr. Isa Mustafa.
The International Conference of Local Governance will continues with the will works afternoon with the Municipalities Fair and tomorrow within which day the session will be organized in the municipalities: Pristine, Prizren, Mitrovica and Novobrdo were will be present high political representatives from Kosovo, Croatia, Slovenia, North Ireland, Macedonia, Montenegro and experts from the region and wider.